Children thrive in stable environments that provide security, love, and consistency. What makes the most impact for nurturing and raising healthy children is surrounding them with caring family, friends, and loved ones. It does not matter whether you are LGBTQ+, heterosexual, single, or in a relationship; the research shows that children thrive when there are positive role models throughout their upbringing.
Fast Facts About LGBT Parenting
The US Census Bureau estimates that the number of children under the age of 18 with an LGBTQ+ parent is between 2 million and 3.7 million. This number is steadily increasing as same-sex couples now have more freedom to create families through surrogacy, assisted reproductive technology (ART), adoption, and foster care.
Just like other parents, LGBTQ+ parents are married, unmarried and cohabitating, separated or divorced, and single. There are intact families, blended families, and children who live between households. Adopted children with at least one gay parent report that they grew up in an environment that made them more tolerant and accepting of everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or race. Children of LGBTQ and same-sex couples are successful in confident and school. Every child is different, so bringing them up in a family that supports and accepts them is an essential factor that may be present in households with a gay or lesbian parent.
Support From the American Academy of Pediatrics for LGBT Parenting
The American Academy of Pediatrics supports LGBTQ+ parents who raise children through surrogacy, as well as adoption and foster care. LGBTQ+ parents often need a little extra support because they must plan to raise a family through nontraditional methods such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), surrogacy, or sperm donors. This added planning and commitment lead to a different parenting dynamic because extra steps are required and take significant time, effort, and money.
Adoption Considerations and LGBT Parenting
When LGBTQ+ individuals or same-sex couples go through the adoption process, they often end up adopting children who are already a few years old. This delay is frequently caused by legal guardianship or custody issues or delays in securing visas for children born outside the United States. As a result, many LGBTQ+ parents are denied the joys of raising a child from the moment of its birth. The experience of bringing an infant home from the hospital and being present for his or her early development and milestones is part of the joy of parenting. LGBT couples who opt for surrogacy or sperm-donor IVF get to experience this vital element of family life that may not be a part of the traditional adoption experience.
All Are Welcome in the Family Creations Family!
Whether you are single, married, or in a relationship, identify as LGBTQ+ or heterosexual, all are welcome at Family Creations! Our professional team is available to answer your questions about surrogacy, egg donation, and how to best navigate the intricacies of starting a family. We look forward to helping you create the family of your dreams! Contact us today.