h
Abstract: Children who are born to or adopted by 1 member of a same-sex couple deserve the security of 2 legally recognized parents. Therefore, the American Academy of Pediatrics supports legislative and legal efforts to provide the possibility of adoption of the child by the second parent or coparent in these families.
Coparent or Second-Parent Adoption by Same-Sex Parents
Perrin EC; Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health
Available at: www.pediatrics.org/cgi/content/full/109/2/341
Abstract: A growing body of scientific literature demonstrates that children who grow up with 1 or 2 gay and/or lesbian parents fare as well in emotional, cognitive, social, and sexual functioning as do children whose parents are heterosexual. Children's optimal development seems to be influenced more by the nature of the relationships and interactions within the family unit than by the particular structural form it takes.
Sexual Orientation and Adolescents
Frankowski BL; Committee on Adolescence
Available at: www.pediatrics.org/cgi/content/full/113/6/1827
Abstract: The American Academy of Pediatrics issued its first statement on homosexuality and adolescents in 1983, with a revision in 1993. This report reflects the growing understanding of youth of differing sexual orientations. Young people are recognizing their sexual orientation earlier than in the past, making this a topic of importance to pediatricians. Pediatricians should be aware that some youths in their care may have concerns about their sexual orientation or that of siblings, friends, parents, relatives, or others. Health care professionals should provide factual, current, nonjudgmental information in a confidential manner. All youths, including those who know or wonder whether they are not heterosexual, may seek information from physicians about sexual orientation, sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, or various psychosocial difficulties. The pediatrician should be attentive to various potential psychosocial difficulties, offer counseling or refer for counseling when necessary and ensure that every sexually active youth receives a thorough medical history, physical examination, immunizations, appropriate laboratory tests, and counseling about sexually transmitted diseases (including human immunodeficiency virus infection) and appropriate treatment if necessary.
Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Teens: Facts for Teens and Their Parents
Patient Education Brochure
Sponsoring Committee: Committee on Adolescence
Available at: www.aap.org/bst/showdetl.cfm?&DID=15&Product_ID=3823
Gay, Lesbian or Bisexual Parents: Information for Children and Parents
Patient Education Brochure
Sponsoring Committee: Committee on Practice and Ambulatory Medicine
Available at: www.aap.org/bst/showdetl.cfm?&DID=15&Product_ID=4133
Available Technical Assistance
Committee on Adolescence (COA)
Committee on Early Childhood, Adoption, and Dependent Care (COECADC)
Committee on Federal Government Affairs (COFGA)
Committee on Practice and Ambulatory Medicine (COPAM)
Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health (COPACFH)
Committee on State Government Affairs (COSGA)
Section on Adoption and Foster Care (SOAFC)
Department of Federal Affairs
Division of Developmental Pediatrics and Preventive Services
Division of Health Care Finance and Practice
Division of State Government Affairs
RELATED PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION STATEMENTS AND POLICIES
The AAP is not alone in supporting the right of every child and family to the legal, financial, and psychosocial security that results from having legally recognized parents who are committed to each other and to the welfare of their children.
The American Academy of Family Physicians' Congress of Delegates agreed to “establish policy and be supportive of legislation which promotes a safe and nurturing environment, including psychological and legal security, for all children, including those of adoptive parents, regardless of the parents' sexual orientation.”55
The American Psychological Association (APA) adopted resolutions stating that “the