Like all U.S. citizens considering intercountry adoption, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) 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 LGBTQI+ U.S. citizens or same-sex couples from being adoptive parents. However, some foreign countries do not permit LGBTQI+ 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 LGBTQI+ 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 LGBTQI+ 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 LGBTQI+ 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 LGBTQI+ prospective adoptive parents, an adoptive child may also be LGBTQI+. Please see the list of links to resources for families below.

Helpful Links

Disclaimer: The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the entities or individuals whose names appear on the websites listed below. Inclusion of private groups on this page is in no way an endorsement by the Department or the U.S. government. The order in which they appear has no significance; the Department is not in a position to vouch for the information.

• Accredited Schools Online – LGBTQI+ Student Resources and Support

• AdoptUSKids – Laws and Resources for LGBTQI+ Families

• American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry – Information for LGBTQI+ Parents

• American Academy of Pediatrics – LGBTQ+ Health and Wellness Information for Youth and Families

• American Civil Liberties Union, LGBTQ Rights section – search “adoption” for helpful articles and resources

• Center for Adoption Support and Education (CASE) - Resources for adoptive families and adopted children, including support groups and articles

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Resources for LGBTQI+ Youth and Families

• Child Care Exchange – Books for LGBTQI+ Families

• Child Welfare Factsheet for Families – Creating a Welcoming Home for LGBTQI+ Youth

• Child Welfare Information Gateway – Adoption Information for Gay and Lesbian Families

• Health and Human Services – Resources for LGBTQI+ individuals

• Human Rights Campaign Foundation – LGBTQI+ Parenting and Adoption

• International Lesbian and Gay Organization – Legality of LGBTQI+ Adoption Abroad

• Lambda Legal – Legal Information and Resources for LGBTQI+ Individuals  

• North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC)

• National Center for Lesbian Rights – Adoption Information for LGBTQI+ Families

• National Council For Adoption – Adoption Advocacy Organization with LGBTQI+ Information

• GLAAD – LGBTQI+ Advocacy Organization

• PFLAG – Resources for Parents of LGBTQI+ Children

• The Trevor Project – Resources for LGBTQI+ Youth

• Transgender Law Center – Transgender Advocacy Organization