Perception of the Access to Assisted Reproduction in Spanish Female Couples

The design and implementation of healthcare policies regarding the assisted reproduction can exclude female couples through a series of legal and social barriers. It happens when a family model associated with the heterosexual couple is reinforced. The aim of this work is to analyse the perception that female couples have regarding the Spanish legislation on assisted reproduction techniques. An ethnographic research was conducted with eleven female couples. The results show that the access to assisted reproduction is determined by socio-political conditions. Consequently, this situation affects the paths to access (public or private), as well as their experiences in the healthcare process. Finally, it may be concluded that it is necessary a design of inclusive health policies that promote the health of the entire population, without excluding anyone because of their sexual orientation.