Like all U.S. citizens considering intercountry adoption, LGB persons, and same-sex couples must comply with the laws and regulations governing adoption and immigration in the child's country of origin and in the United States.

U.S. federal law does not prohibit LGB U.S. citizens or same-sex couples from being adoptive parents. However, some foreign countries do not permit LGB individuals or same-sex couples to adopt. When deciding to pursue intercountry adoption, prospective parents should be sure to research whether the country they are interested in adopting from permits adoption by LGB persons or couples.

The Department of State includes adoption eligibility requirements for specific countries in the Country Information section of our website, including information on laws surrounding LGB adoptions when that information is available. Where this information is not included on the relevant country page, prospective parents may consult a U.S. accredited adoption service provider (ASP) that works in the country of interest or the relevant adoption authorities (see the Contact Information tab on the country information page) or an attorney in the country of interest.  

General information for LGB travelers overseas is available in the International Travel section of our website. You may also wish to review the section on U.S. state laws maintained by the Child Welfare Information Gateway website.

In addition to legal considerations for LGB prospective adoptive parents, an adoptive child may also be LGB. Please see the list of links to resources for families below.