By Eric Somarriba

As a birth mother thinking of putting a baby up for adoption, you have many things to consider. One of the biggest is the kind of family your child will end up with, which may end up being a same-sex couple. Adoption Choices of Nevada has supported LGBTQ+ couples since our opening in 2008 and is ready to help. If you want your child placed with an LGBTQ+ couple or have other questions, this guide is for you. With any questions about adoption in Nevada and Reno, we will create your adoption plan to suit all your needs. Adoption Choices of Nevada is a local, private, non-profit serving birth mothers in the adoption process. We will provide resources for all adoption needs to ensure your child is placed in a loving home.

Can an LGBTQ+ Couple or Single Parent Adopt in Nevada?

The answer to the first question is also the simplest, yes! Since same-sex marriage was legalized, LGBTQ+ couples can adopt your child the same way a heterosexual couple may. Both kinds of couples will hold the same parental rights in raising your child. These rights also extend to any single LGBTQ+ person wanting to adopt a child.

Are Same-Sex Couples Screened in Nevada?

No matter the makeup of the couple wanting to adopt, our adoption agencies screen them all. Your adoption caseworker will conduct a home study and present you with a family’s history and profile. We thoroughly screen all couples to ensure a safe and stable home that will be able to provide financially. We carefully consider every factor that could affect how they raise your child. Depending on the adoption method, you will also have the opportunity to meet these couples and make your judgments.

Can I Choose if a Same-Sex Couple adopts my Child?

If you go down this route, you will need to choose an open or semi-open adoption method. Our adoption agencies will provide you with many choices for your child’s home through your adoption plan. In addition, our waiting families page will show couples waiting to adopt with their information available, and some will be same-sex couples. Keep in mind waiting couples may live beyond the Reno or Nevada area but will still be available to communicate. Same-sex adoption can be controversial and has pros and cons, but the ultimate choice for your child’s life is yours.

What Should I Ask a Same-Sex Couple When Meeting with Them?

Ask the same questions you would with any couple. If you are serious about an LGBTQ+ adoption, you should treat it no differently from a heterosexual adoption. No matter the makeup, you want to know who they are as people, from their jobs to their beliefs. You may ask why they want to become parents or how they plan to raise your child. A same-sex couple may have a different parenting style than you might expect, which is important to know. Find a couple who will raise your child in a way you agree with and approve of.

Will Same-Sex Adoption Give My Child Psychological Issues?

Studies have shown that children raised by LGBTQ+ couples are more likely to suffer from mental illness and drug abuse. It is an unfortunate statistic but one you should consider if you intend to go forward with a same-sex adoption. However, there is always a greater chance your child will have a happy life free from those issues. There is also the belief some have that your child will suffer issues from not having a mother or father. It may come down to your beliefs, and you are allowed to worry about the effects it may have. But the world is becoming more accepting, and there are countless examples of happy children raised by a same-sex couple. So there are risks with same-sex adoption but benefits as well.

Are There Benefits in Choosing Same-Sex Adoption?

Children raised by same-sex families will likely grow up with a more tolerant view of life thanks to their upbringing. They learn early on that some people are different but that there is no shame. Through the love and acceptance that their parents will give, your child will know how to spread it to others. The world can always use more good people, and LGBTQ+ parents can help your child be a compassionate soul.

Is Choosing a Same-Sex Couple Harder Than a Heterosexual One?

Adoption Choices of Nevada is here to make your adoption journey as easy as possible. Our process in ensuring a loving home for your child does not change depending on the couple. Through your beliefs and knowledge, the choice may be more difficult than it is for others, but that’s okay. You know the life and influences you want for your child better than anyone. If a same-sex couple is your choice, then we will strive to help. Like any family, an LGBTQ+ one will have its cons. Your child may face discrimination or isolation from others. If the adopting couple is outside of Reno or Nevada, you may want to consider their area’s general beliefs. We have always supported LGBTQ+ couples and will work with you to find the one ready to love your child.

LGBTQ+ Adoption with Adoption Choices of Nevada

If you’re thinking, “I want to put my baby up for adoption,” Adoption Choices of Nevada is here to help. We are here to guide you through the adoption process and your pregnancy through your adoption plan. It is your right to choose what family your child ends up with, and we will help with that choice. We strive to be accepting of all birth mothers and adopting families and provide your child with a loving home. Inclusiveness is one of the core values of our adoption agencies, so you have nothing to fear.

If you are considering same-sex adoption or are otherwise dealing with an unplanned pregnancy in the Reno area, contact us. Adoption Choices of Nevada has been providing adoption and surrogacy services across Nevada since 2012. You can call us to speak to someone now. Contact Us 24/7: 855-940-4673 (Toll-Free) | 702-474-4673 (Las Vegas) | 775-825-4673 (Reno) | 775-884-4673 (Carson City).