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Same Sex Adoption

Same-sex couples wishing to adopt often face uneven legal challenges. While a person’s sexual orientation does not change his or her desire to raise a family, laws and policies concerning same-sex adoption have yet to be uniformly applied across all states. Proponents argue that adoption fulfills the desire to form a family unit, as well as provides stable homes to thousands of children who are left without parents each year. Opponents, however, argue that the traditional nuclear family – one including both a man and a woman - is more ideal for the raising of kids. This section explores issues facing same-sex couples wishing to adopt, including a primer on types of adoption, legal issues for gay and lesbian adoption, and life after adoption. Choose from the list of titles below to learn more.

Learn About Same Sex Adoption
  • Adoption and Same-Sex Couples: Basics

    General overview of the various challenges, difficulties, and changes in the law with respect to adoption by gay and lesbian couples, including a brief history of same-sex parenting.

  • Adoption and Same-Sex Couples: Types of Adoption

    Basics of disclosure rules for same-sex couples, regarding sexual orientation, with respect to the various different types of adoption (such as public agency, private agency, or independent adoption).

  • Gay and Lesbian Adoptive Parents: Issues and Concerns

    Answers to frequently asked questions about gay and lesbian adoptive parents, such whether the children of same-sex parents are more likely to be teased by peers and other concerns.

  • Gay and Lesbian Adoptive Parents: Life After Adoption

    Overview of some common challenges faced by same-sex couples raising adoptive children, such as finding support from the community and explaining sexual orientation to children.

  • Legal Issues for Gay and Lesbian Adoption

    Basic information about the various legal rights and responsibilities pertaining to adoption by gay and lesbian couples, including the status of same-sex co-parents following a break up.

  • Questionnaire: Am I Eligible to Adopt?

    While same-sex couples have their own special challenges when seeking to adopt, this checklist of general eligibility criteria is applicable to anyone considering parenthood through adoption.

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