I don't get the sense that it's prevalent, but it's out there. |
Inevitably, anything you write that's not sunshine and roses will upset some people's sensitivities. However, if adoption is finally to get on a level playing field as a normal, natural way of forming a family, we have to look at it in all its dimensions and revel in the great stuff and talk about the not-so-great stuff. That gets a national conversation going. |
It doesn't pass the logic test that you can be a good parent one day as a foster parent, and as an adoptive parent you'll suddenly start developing new habits. |
Sixty percent of all adoption agencies in the US take applications from lesbians and gays. The reality on the ground is moving ahead of the policy debate. |
The bottom line for those of us who advocate for children is clear. There's simply no credible research to indicate that children are harmed in any way when they're adopted by gay and lesbian parents, but there's lots of evidence to indicate that they do well in those homes. So, if we as a society believe that kids should be our primary concern, we have to put aside our prejudices and preconceived notions, and do the best we can for them. |
The bottom line is that adoption by gays and lesbians is a fine thing to do. There is simply no credible research showing that children are harmed when they're adopted by gay and lesbian parents, but lots of evidence to indicate that they do well in those homes. |
The effect of all this opposition is not to prevent gay people from becoming parents. All it can do is diminish the pool of mothers and fathers for children who need homes. |
We turn real-live, flesh-and-blood women into baby-making machines who are supposed to give us their products and go away. Well, that's not acceptable on a human level and not acceptable on a practical level. |