How to Have a Child in a Gay/Lesbian Relationship

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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(7 Ratings)

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.

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Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Consider some of the major options to bring a child into your home: adoption, foster parenting and artificial insemination.
Step 2

See Related eHows for detailed information about these three options.
Step 3

Explore your network of contacts. These friends can provide invaluable advice and support for your decision.
Step 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.
Step 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.

Comments

leon212nyc said

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on 11/14/2008 I've started a blog about my 'baby mama' search--

http://www.co-parentsearch.blogspot.com/

Laizang said

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on 5/15/2008 i'm really looking forward to one day raising kids with my lesbian partner Lacey. i cant wait to take em camping and fishing and hiking and teach em to ride a bike...looking fwd to many many experiences as a lesbian-dad. highly doubt we'll be living in Jamaica with this lifestyle!