Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, Denmark has launched a new initiative aimed at offering more inclusive care for LGBTQ+ families in expecting children, ensuring that families outside the traditional mother-father model feel welcomed and understood.
New Support for LGBTQ+ Families at Denmark’s Leading Hospital
Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen is enhancing its maternity services by introducing specialized midwife consultations for LGBTQ+ families, commonly referred to as rainbow families in Denmark. The initiative reflects a growing recognition of family diversity in Danish society and aims to provide inclusive and respectful prenatal care for those who may not fit into traditional family structures.
Denmark has long been considered a leader in LGBTQ+ rights, having legalized same-sex partnerships as early as 1989. Yet many LGBTQ+ individuals still encounter discomforting or inappropriate questions when interacting with public institutions, including the healthcare system.
A Tailored Approach to Prenatal Care
The new offer at Rigshospitalet includes consultations with two specially trained midwives who are familiar with the unique experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ families. These midwives have studied various family structures, from two mothers or two fathers to arrangements involving more than two co-parents, to ensure their support services are informative and sensitive.
The program was developed in collaboration with LGBT+ Denmark, the country’s leading organization for sexual and gender minorities. The goal is for all families to feel safe, respected, and seen—regardless of how their family is structured or how their child was conceived.
One major motivation behind the initiative is to avoid inadvertently offensive or intrusive questions that LGBTQ+ families are often asked during consultations—questions that might not be directed at heterosexual couples. For instance, it is still common for non-traditional families to be asked things like “how did you get pregnant?” or “who’s the real parent?” Such questions can feel invalidating and reinforce the idea that their family is somehow less legitimate.
Personal Impact on LGBTQ+ Parents
Expecting parents Martin and Lucas Storgaard, along with their co-parent Kristel, welcomed the announcement of the program. Their baby is due in November, and they had experienced several challenges navigating a system that seemed ill-prepared to recognize their family structure. Though most of the healthcare staff were kind and well-meaning, the systems and forms they encountered were clearly designed for heterosexual couples.
Their experience highlights the emotional toll that outdated systems can impose on LGBTQ+ families. Not only were they repeatedly forced to explain their family structure at each appointment, but they also faced questions that, while curious in nature, didn’t support their health journey.
In Denmark, rainbow families are growing in visibility. A 2022 report from LGBT+ Denmark found that more than 1,500 rainbow families were raising children across the country, a number expected to rise amid increased social acceptance and access to reproductive technologies.
Inspiration for Other Hospitals
Rigshospitalet, Denmark’s largest and most advanced hospital, hopes this initiative will serve as a blueprint for maternity wards across the country. The program aims to normalize more inclusive practices, ensuring that every family receives competent and compassionate care.
Inclusivity in healthcare is not just a social issue—it also impacts health outcomes. Research has shown that patients who feel safe and accepted by healthcare providers are more likely to seek help, follow medical advice, and maintain better psychological health throughout their pregnancy journeys.
Looking Ahead
The introduction of LGBTQ+-specific midwife consultations speaks to a broader cultural shift in Denmark—one that acknowledges the evolving concept of family. Rigshospitalet hopes that by taking the lead, other Danish hospitals will follow suit and develop programs that meet people where they are, rather than forcing them to fit outdated molds.
As more families like Martin, Lucas, and Kristel’s come forward, they may now find that Denmark’s healthcare system is finally beginning to reflect the diversity of the society it serves. With one of the highest levels of public trust in government institutions in the world, Denmark is once again positioning itself as a leader in inclusive policy-making.
