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.
- 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.