Research Paper On Gay Adoption

Gay Adoption In America gay adoption is a very debated upon topic. In 2010 there were an estimated 19.4% of households occupied by same-sex parents with children (Burkholder). This number may seem small, however, considering the strenuous work from these parents to build their families it is anything but insignificant. Members of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) communities face insurmountable social, legal, and health care issues in the journey to become parents. Even though society should refer to the research which tends to point to the importance of the quality of the parent relationships with children, rather than parent’s sexual orientation that is not the case (Burkholder). Whether it be by artificial insemination by a sperm donor, adopting a significant others child from a previous heterosexual relationship, or adoptions from foster care the difficulties can be overwhelming. The health of a child in any adoption circumstance is extremely important. In addition to the standard health of children, those adopted by same-sex parents face the scrutiny of whether or not their psychological health is in jeopardy. A group of colleagues from the Department of Psychosocial Science reviewed of a number of studies published between 1978 and 2000; they found no differences between children from families headed by same-sex and opposite sex parents in factors such as behavioral issues, sexual orientation, gender identity, and cognitive functioning (Burkholder). This conclusion also assists in ruling out the argument that children require a male and female role model in order to grow up as a healthy and well-adjusted adult. If children raised by single parents, of which they are also only raised by one sex, grow up to be healthy physically and psychologically those raised by two same-sex parents should not have their own health questioned. It is no secret that the LGBTQ community faces social controversy when it comes to their own gender identity, so it comes without question that when the subject of adoption is proposed, society voices its concerns. Many citizens argue the stereotype that children being raised by same-sex parents are being brought up to be homosexual. Felicia Park-Rogers who is the executive director of COLAGE (Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere) says, “The …show more content…
As a result, if something goes wrong during labor and the biological mother was to pass away, the child would be stuck in limbo and the biological mother’s spouse would have to a legal battle to gain custody of the child. To keep situation like this from occurring, lawsuits in Iowa, Kansas, and Utah already have forced those states to list both spouses on birth certificates, and similar suits are pending in Wisconsin and North Carolina …show more content…
Considering the facts that support there are no differences between children with same-sex parents and children with opposite-sex parents, the controversy behind gay adoption should not exist. Considering that the evidence is so overwhelming that The American Psychological Association passed a resolution stating that it, “opposes any discrimination based on sexual orientation in matters of adoption, (including child custody and visitation, foster care, and reproductive health services) and supports the protection of parent-child relationships through the legalization of joint adoptions and second parent adoptions of children of same-sex couples” (Burkholder). There are so many children in the world who need homes, so if a loving couples want to adopt being gay or straight should be