Same Sex Adoption
"Second Parent Adoption"

One form of same sex adoption is called "second parent adoption," in which one partner can adopt the biological or adoptive child of the other partner without terminating the parental rights of the first parent. Essentially making each partner a parent to the child.

in the 1980’s the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) conceived the idea of second-parent adoptions by same-sex couples. This issue does not effect gay men as much as it does lesbians, as they often adopt foster children or children with whom they have no biological connection.

Whereas, lesbians often choose artificial insemination so that at least one parent has a biological connection to the child and then her lesbian partner adopts the child as her own also.

Some states such as Colorado, Nebraska, and Wisconsin are adamantly opposed to second-parent adoption by same-sex couples. These states have concluded that homosexual relationships are not “real” and that relationships of same sex couples have no business raising children anyway.

Other states, such as California, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont allow a same-sex partner to adopt their partner’s biological children without their partner having to sacrifice any rights.

Still other states, such as Texas and Georgia are hit-and-miss, all depending on the personal beliefs of the judge assigned to your case.

Is second parent adoption by same sex couples allowed in your State? Find out here.

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