Here are some straightforward facts and statistics about adoption by same-sex couples. The post is updated as of 2024. I always keep this post up to date.
Percentage of Adoptive Parents
Same-sex couples are four times more likely to be raising adopted children compared to opposite-sex couples.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Children Being Raised by Same-Sex Couples:
Overall: Approximately 21% of same-sex couples are raising children.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Same-Sex Couples as Foster Parents
Same-sex couples are more likely to foster children. They account for a significant proportion of foster parents in the United States.
Source: The Williams Institute
Adoption Laws by State
Adoption laws vary by state, but as of 2020, all states allow same-sex couples to adopt.
Source: Human Rights Campaign
Demographic Information:
Same-sex adoptive parents are diverse, spanning all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.
Source: Urban Institute
Psychological Impact on Children
Studies indicate that children adopted by same-sex couples fare as well as those adopted by opposite-sex couples in terms of psychological well-being and social functioning.
Source: American Psychological Association
International Adoption
Same-sex couples may face additional challenges when pursuing international adoption due to varying laws and attitudes in other countries.
Source: U.S. Department of State