Today we’re going over what science has found out about same sex parenting.
A study published in Pediatrics, examined 154 lesbians who became pregnant by artificial insemination. The result of monitoring the 78 teenage children at age 17 (39 females and 39 males), comparing them with national standardization samples indicated that they had high levels of social and academic performance, and less aggressive behavior compared to same age counterparts from heterosexual families. No differences were found between children who were conceived by known or anonymous donors or between children whose parents are still together and those whose mothers had separated. The study concludes that adolescents raised from birth in families with lesbian mothers showed a healthy psychological adjustment.
When it comes to families with homosexual couples, the situation is no different. For example, a study published in Applied Developmental Science evaluated the development and upbringing of children in families of lesbian, gay and straight couples who had adopted a child. The results in families with lesbian and gay parents were similar to their heterosexual counterparts in a variety of parenting features. Children of all family types worked out similarly without behavioral problems.
Based on a thorough review of the literature on the development and adaptation of children whose parents are of the same sex, the American Academy of Pediatrics concluded that the security of parenting and the ongoing care of children, given by the civil marriage of their parents, has no relation with the gender or sexual orientation of these. They note that gay marriage can help reduce the social stigma that gay/lesbian parents and their children face, enhancing social stability, acceptance and support. Children who are raised by married parents benefit from the social and legal situation that civil marriage give their parents.
When the marriage of the parents is not an option, children should not be deprived of the opportunity to have foster parent care or adoption by these couples, regardless of their sexual orientation. Public policy and community support are vital to the success of raising children in these circumstances.
The scientific evidence does not observe existing or ongoing deterioration or any detriment to children growing up with same-sex parents.
So it comes as no surprise that a new study just published in Social Science Research found out that there is overwhelming scientific consensus that children of same-sex parents do not experience a negative impact when compared with children of heterosexual or single parents.
After all, this consensus is based on the best available evidence we have.
Pseudoscience
What about studies showing negative effects on children raised by same sex couples?
As far as I know there are two such relevant ‘studies’ — the Regnerus ‘study’ which can fairly be described as peer-sanctioned and paid for bigotry. And we have the Sullins ‘study’, a pro bono repetition of Regenerus’.
Having a set of prejudices and designing a study to conclude such prejudices are true is no science.
What about people raised by gay parents who oppose same sex parenting?
What about them? Personal experiences are not evidence of any sort.
(taken from Alexius Today and El Radarcillo | image: Pixabay)
