Support Increases for Adoption by Gay and Lesbian Parents

A new study from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shows increasing support for adoptions by gay and lesbian parents.

A National Health Statistics Report, “Trends in Attitudes About Marriage, Childbearing, and Sexual Behavior,” analyzed data from HHS’s National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG), which surveys family life, marriage and divorce, pregnancy, infertility, use of contraception, and men’s and women’s health.

The study found that the percentage of women who agreed with the statement, “Gay or lesbian adults should have the right to adopt children,” increased from 55 percent in 2002 to 75 percent in 2011—2013. The percentage of men who agreed with it increased from 47 percent in 2002 to 68 percent in 2011—2013. (The survey did not ask about bisexual or transgender adults; I’d like to assume a similar increase, but can’t be sure.)

Looking at this by age group, it seems that not surprisingly, the younger generation is more supportive. 83 percent of women aged 15—24 agreed with the adoption statement, but only 74 percent of women aged 25—34 and 67 percent of those aged 35—44 did so. Among men, 75 percent aged 15—24 agreed, dropping to 66 percent of those aged 25—34 and 61 percent of those aged 35—44.

The study also showed an increase in those who agreed with premarital cohabitation, nonmarital childbearing, same-sex sexual relations, and premarital sex for those aged over 18.

This is heartening. While it might be argued that the lack of societal approval has not stopped many lesbian and gay (or bisexual and transgender) people from adopting, it has certainly made it harder to do so in many cases. Growing support, especially among younger people, will mean an easier and more welcoming experience for LGBTQ families in the future.