Adoption and Assisted Reproduction
FOR LGBTQ+ INDIVIDUALS AND COUPLES, THE JOURNEY TO PARENTHOOD MAY NOT ALWAYS SEEM STRAIGHTFORWARD. HOWEVER, WITH A SUPPORTIVE NETWORK AND ACCESS TO THE RIGHT RESOURCES, BECOMING A PARENT IS AN ACHIEVABLE DREAM
Here we explore the two primary paths to parenthood for the LGBTQ+ community: adoption and assisted reproduction.
Adoption: A Growing Trend
Adoption has become an increasingly common path to parenthood for LGBTQ+ people. In England, a remarkable one in five adoptions in 2023 were to same-sex couples, according to statistics from the Department for Education.
This marks the highest total number and proportion on record in the country, a significant increase from just a decade ago when the statistic was one in 31.
Since the Adoption and Children Act 2002 came into force in 2005, giving LGBTQ+ adopters the same legal rights as heterosexual or cisgender parents, the number of children adopted by lesbian, gay, bi, or trans parents has grown year on year. Last year, more than one in five children adopted were placed with loving LGBTQ+ adopters.
Despite misconceptions that sexual orientation or gender identity may hinder the approval process, many agencies have made significant strides in improving their work with the LGBTQ+ community. It’s important to remember that personal qualities and the ability to provide a stable, loving home are the key factors in becoming a successful adoptive parent.
“Last year, more than one in five children adopted were placed with loving LGBTQ+ adopters”
Assisted Reproduction
For those who dream of having a child that is biologically related to them, assisted reproductive technologies provide several paths to parenthood. These options are available to everyone, including single individuals and same-sex couples:
- Donor Insemination: Sperm is introduced into the reproductive system of the person who will carry the pregnancy. This procedure can be performed at home or at a licensed fertility clinic. Choosing a clinic ensures that the sperm is screened for health concerns and genetic conditions, and also offers access to support services and legal guidance.
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): This process is similar to donor insemination but is always performed at a licensed fertility clinic. The sperm used can be from a known donor or from a sperm bank, and is carefully tested for sexually transmitted infections and inherited conditions.
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): In this procedure, an egg is fertilised by sperm in a laboratory setting. The resulting embryo is then transferred into the uterus of the person who will carry the pregnancy.
- Surrogacy: In this arrangement, a woman agrees to carry and give birth to a child on behalf of another individual or couple.
- Co-parenting: This involves two or more individuals partnering to conceive and raise a child together. As co-parents typically share custody of the child, seeking legal advice is strongly recommended to ensure everyone’s roles and responsibilities are clearly defined.
Regardless of the path chosen, LGBTQ+ individuals and couples who embark on the journey to parenthood often find it to be a deeply rewarding and fulfilling experience.
With love, commitment, and a strong support system, LGBTQ+ parents are successfully creating happy, healthy families and providing nurturing environments for their children to thrive.
