Adoption in Gay Couples, Essay Example

Introduction

Considerable controversy exists in terms of whether gay couples should be allowed to adopt and raise children.  This paper examines both sides of the argument and asks the important question of whether it is detrimental to the child’s well-being if they are raised by a couple outside of the normal heterosexual relationship?

Argument in Favour of Gay Adoption

As society becomes more accepted and tolerant of gay marriages, it has become more equally receptive to them as being suitable for child adoption.  It is considered that many gay relationships are more stable than that of heterosexual marriages and as such provides a more secure and stable environment for the child.  We live in a society where many children are being raised in single parent homes and this leaves the child disadvantaged in terms of lower education and poverty.  Gay couples are often relatively well off and as such offer the child two supportive parents.  Research has shown that Lesbian couples that have been permitted artificial insemination have proved to be loving parents and have raised the children well. The concept of disqualifying gay men and women is tantamount to discrimination and this would not be legally tolerated in other areas e.g. employment.  We are in a society where there are increased rates of heterosexual divorce and child abandonment.  This means a shortage of adoptive parents and it is considered that the gay parent option is better than that of foster care homes.  (The Week, 2012).

Argument Against Gay Adoption

In order to be well balanced children need to be raised by heterosexual parents as this is the normal order of nature.  Research has indicated that boys without proper fathers tend to become under achievers at school and tend to have social problems.  In general terms Western Society is based upon the Christian religion and values. In general terms the Christian faith is based upon the concept that a child has a natural father and mother.  Children raised within a gay partnership are likely to be impacted by the gay ‘partnership model’ and as such may end up being gay themselves. It is considered that certain aspects of life cannot be legislated for and as such the majority find the concept of gay parenting to be wrong. As such this practice should not be forced on the majority of society.  The fact is that there are already many gay couples having adopted children in the USA “The 2000 U. S. Census reports 33% of female same-sex couple households and 22% of male same-sex couple households already have at least one child under the age of 18 living at home” (Johnson, R. 2012).  Where children are living in gay couple households, without formal legal adoption, they lose rights and legal status in the event of one of the parents becoming ill or dying.

Conclusion

The arguments in terms of pro and anti-gay couple adoption are extremely strong and emotive from both points of view.  Perhaps in the final analysis this should really be about what is best for the child. .  It has been estimated that there are around 300,000 to 500,000 gay biological parents (1976) and in 1990 it was reported that 6-14 million children had gay or lesbian parents. In addition, 8-10 million children are being raised in gay or lesbian households. California having the highest number in the USA. It has been estimated that over 2 million gay and lesbian parents have experienced an interest in adopting.

Gay adoptions have been taking place for a long time in the USA. When the home study is conducted the couple need to be honest in answering the questions and openly discuss their relationship. Lying about specific questions may be dealt with as ‘fraud’ under the law and be treated accordingly.  A study carried out and published by the news agency Reuters stated “Gay or straight, the sexual orientation of adoptive parents does not have an impact on the emotional development of their children, according to a new study.” (Reaney, P. 2012).

References

Ramon Johnson. (2012, 8 14). What they are not telling you about gay adoption. Retrieved from About.com: http://gaylife.about.com/od/gayparentingadoption/a/gayadoptionstat.htm

Reaney, P. (2012, 8 15). Gay couples as fit to adopt as heterosexuals: study. Retrieved from Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/09/25/us-adoption-children-idUSTRE58O3MK20090925

The Week. (2012, 8 14). Pros and cons of gay adoption. Retrieved from The Week: http://www.theweek.co.uk/welfare/35575/pros-and-cons-gay-adoption