How to adopt a child

Adoption by same-sex couples is legal in 16 countries and in some territories. Opponents of LGBT adoption question whether same-sex couples have the ability to be adequate parents (see LGBT parenting) while other opponents question whether Natural Law implies that children of adoption possess a natural right to be raised by heterosexual parents. Since constitutions and statutes usually fail to address the adoption rights of LGBT persons, judicial decisions often determine whether they can serve as parents either individually or as couples.

Experts in childhood development, agree that a loving and supportive family is the most important ingredient when it comes to good parenting. Research has demonstrated that sexual orientation; gender identity or expression does not affect a person’s ability to parent.