Overview
From 1986–2026, the USA National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study (NLLFS) followed and reported on a cohort of planned lesbian families with children conceived through donor insemination. Initiated by Nanette Gartrell, MD, the NLLFS examined the social, psychological, and emotional development of the children as well as the dynamics of planned lesbian families. This was the longest-running and largest prospective investigation of lesbian mothers and their children in the United States. This study provided information to specialists in healthcare, family services, adoption, foster care, sociology, feminist studies, education, ethics, same-sex marriage, civil union, and public policy on matters pertaining to LGBTQ+ parent families. After 40 years, the study closed in 2026. More »
