How to Have a Child in a Gay/Lesbian Relationship

It's happening every day through adoption, foster parenting and traditional childbearing. With great planning and consideration, lesbians and gay men are bringing much-wanted and well-loved children into their lives.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Consider some of the major options to bring a child into your home: adoption, foster parenting and artificial insemination.
2. See Related eHows for detailed information about these three options.
3. Explore your network of contacts. These friends can provide invaluable advice and support for your decision.
4. Entertain all the possibilities. For example, a gay man and lesbian woman parenting a child together is not unusual. Both parents can enjoy their own relationships and still share in their child's growth.
5. Create a parenthood statement if you choose artificial insemination from a donor who is familiar to you. This legal document acknowledges the mother and father of the child and specifically delineates their responsibilities and inheritances, financial and otherwise.

Tips & Warnings

• An important fact to consider: 75 to 80 percent of children conceived by donor insemination are boys.
• Signing a parenthood statement just after the baby is born provides protection for the mother, baby and father, particularly if the father wants visitation rights and a hand in the raising of his child.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for personalized advice from a knowledgeable lawyer licensed to practice law in your state. For specific, up-to-date advice geared to your specific situation, consult an expert.