Parenting / Adoption Laws

United States Map

Caveats:
  • Prohibitions against 2nd parent adoptions and adoptions by same-sex couples also usually apply to unmarried opposite-sex couples.
  • Adoption/foster decisions can vary from case to case, regardless of state laws.
Key:
 
Law affirming 2nd parent LGB adoption
 
2nd parent LGB adoption in some jurisdictions
*
Law affirming LGB fostering
 
Prohibition against LGB adoption
 
Prohibition against adoption by same-sex couples
 
Prohibition against 2nd parent adoption by same-sex couples
**
Prohibition against LGB fostering
***
Sexual orientation may be a factor in placement decisions
 
 
Data current as of 12/07/2009