Lesbian couple
I had a productive day. Saw totally 6 patients, though I was only half involved in the last case.
Lat case in the morning was a lesbian couple, 41yo A and 33yo B. A is currently pregnant with twins using B’s egg and a donor sperm. Quad screening showed increased risk for Down syndrome (1/166). I noticed they are lesbian when preparing the case. I was not judgmental. But I did consult with Tracy regarding the words I should use to describe the strange situation. For instance, we used genetic parents instead of biological parents, to highlight that we care about genetics, nothing else. Since they had an abnormal screening for DS, I was assuming they might be sad and emotional after long journey of being pregnant. It turned out they were informed the abnormal result already and they didn’t show any emotional stress in the entire session. They thought through everything and decided to keep the baby no matter what disease the baby has. With this thought, they turned down amnio, and carrier screening for SMA and Fragile X. As for CF, A had it done. So I explained that we cared about the egg donor’s CF status. But B, the egg donor, declined CF testing. It turned out to be a very short session. After they clearly stated they will not go for amnio or any carrier screening, the only thing left would be taking pedigree for the egg donor. No significant family history is found.
This is an interesting case. First of all, I found out the lesbian couple. Second, we have to change our thoughts about lab results we usually have. We are not looking for labs for the pregnancy carrier, instead we pay attention to the egg donor and sperm donor. Third, their positive attitude and outgoing personalities made the session easier. I did feel weird about B, the egg donor, due to her appearance. She had tattoos all over her arms and legs. She had pierces on her face and she had a weird hair style. She is just so different from people I usually meet. But she is nice.
People do care how others think about them although people also appreciate differences. I don’t know how patients will think about me when they see an Asian face and hear English with unknown accent. Today I’ve learned one lesson from the lesbian couple that I will be fine as long as I feel comfortable with myself first.
Thanks for stopping by. The honor is all mine!
Hope you don't mind me leaving comments on this.
I like your honest reflections. You shouldn't feel differently toward B. The last sentence of your "journal" is great!