LGBTQ+ Adoptions in Missouri: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Choosing the Right Adoptive Parents
By Katy Reagan
An unplanned pregnancy can leave you feeling like you’ve lost control. This isn’t how you planned for your own life to go. Now you’re not sure how to plan for your child’s new life. Adoption Choices of Missouri is focused on giving you back control and creating the best life possible for your child. We are a local, licensed private Missouri adoption agency. We make sure your child is raised in a safe and loving environment with people you trust.
Choosing An Adoptive Family
At Adoption Choices of Missouri, as soon as you contact us, we partner you with an adoption specialist. They will walk you through all of your adoption options. You tell them your situation and any needs/wants you to have to create an adoption plan. This document outlines exactly what you want your pregnancy, adoption, and life after to look like.
One of the most important decisions you will make is who your adoptive family is. Our adoption agencies have a wide range of adoptive families from all walks of life. For example, if you prefer a specific religion or geographical location, we can pair you with a fitting family. We can also accommodate birth parents who want a traditional household or an LGBTQ+ adoptive family.
When you describe the adoptive family you want, your adoption specialist presents you with adoptive family profiles. You learn about these families and have the choice to get to know them. Then you can decide who you want to adopt your child. Giving a child up for adoption is never an easy decision. But knowing who is raising your child can ease your mind.
Pros and Cons of Choosing a Same-Sex Couple to Adopt Your Child
Pro: LGBTQ+ couples have lower chances of being able to adopt, even though more and more are seeking adoption.
You could help change this. LGBTQ+ couples are able to provide and care for children just as well as traditional couples. Even so, they face discrimination based on sexuality that prevents many from adopting. Choosing a same-sex couple gives them a chance at parenthood that they may not have had otherwise.
Con: Because LGBTQ+ parents face discrimination, their children can as well.
Others can judge children based on their parents’ lifestyle. Your child may face judgment from others and feel excluded. Since the adoptive parents have likely faced the same, however, they should be able to help your child navigate this.
Pro: LGBTQ+ parents know what it is like to feel different. They can teach your child to be loving and inclusive of others.
It’s important for children to grow up in a home where everyone is accepted. Your child will get to experience this and become a loving and accepting adult.
Con: Your child may feel left out if they do not know any other children with LGBTQ+ parents.
Many children relate to others based on their family lives. If they do not have friends with LGBTQ+ parents, your child may feel like they can’t relate to others. They will face very specific challenges, and their friends may not be able to understand. Although, this is something they may not face because same-sex parents are much more accepted and common these days.
Pro: ALL adoptive families must pass a background check and home study.
Adoption Choices of Missouri makes sure to get to know our adoptive families. Our adoption specialists make home study visits to the homes of prospective adoptive parents. Here we make sure they are providing a suitable living environment physically, emotionally, and financially. We provide a home study checklist and training so parents learn how to best take care of their adoptive children. This way, you can rest assured that your child is in good hands.
Con: Your child may not have the benefits of a traditional mother and father figure.
Mothers and fathers both offer unique life experiences and perspectives. With parents of the same-sex, it’s possible your child will lack one of these perspectives. There will be other people who can teach your child, though. This could also be an opportunity for you to serve as an influential person in your child’s life if you want.
Challenges LGBTQ+ Adoptions Face in Missouri
Figuring out how to give a baby up for adoption is difficult in any case. Adoption Choices of Missouri wants to make the adoption process as smooth as possible. But we recognize that there are particular challenges that come with LGBTQ+ adoptions. There is a stigma attached to same-sex couples. Many people think same-sex couples cannot be good parents. Research proves this to be false. Same-sex couples can be just as great of parents as straight couples. They raise kids just as smart, kind, and successful.
We know sexuality has nothing to do with how well someone will raise a child. We know the importance of equality in adoption in Missouri. That’s why we provide support for all of our birth and adoptive families. We want you to heal and your child to transition into their new family well. We provide counseling, training, and support groups for those that are struggling. An LGBTQ+ adoptive family will do the same.
If you are pregnant, considering adoption, and looking into LGBTQ+ adoptive parents, we can help you find the perfect fit.