Can a gay couple adopt

If you are one of those 2 million LGBTQ individuals considering adoption, read on to learn more about same-sex adoption laws, the adoption process for LGBTQ couples and how American Adoptions can help you grow your family through adoption.

Until , laws related to LGBTQ+ couples adopting children varied by state. Some states granted full adoption rights to same-sex couples, while others banned same-sex adoption or only allowed one partner in a same-sex relationship to adopt the biological child of the other.

Only 27 states and one territory have laws or policies that expressly prohibit discrimination in adoption based on sexual orientation or gender identity, according to the Movement Advancement Project, a non-profit that works to achieve equality for all.

In most states, same-sex couples are allowed to jointly adopt a child, giving both parents equal legal rights and responsibilities. Second-Parent Adoption: Also known as stepparent adoption, this process allows one partner to adopt the biological or adopted child of their spouse or partner.