Like all U.S. citizens considering intercountry adoption, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) 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 LGBTI U.S. citizens or same-sex couples from being adoptive parents. However, some foreign countries do not permit LGBTI individuals or same-sex couples to adopt.  When deciding to pursue intercountry adoption, do your research about whether the country you are interested in adopting from permits adoption by LGBTI persons or couples.

The Department of State includes adoption eligibility requirements in the Country Information section of our website when that information is available. 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 LGBTI prospective adoptive parents, an adoptive child may also be LGBTI. 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 – LGBTI Student Resources and Support
• AdoptUSKids – Laws and Resources for LGBTI Families
• American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry – LGBTI Parents
• American Academy of Pediatrics – LGBTI Health and Wellness Information for Youth and Families
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Resources for LGBTI Youth and Families
• Child Care Exchange – Books for LGBTI Families
• Child Welfare Factsheet for Families – Creating a Welcoming Home for LGBTI Youth
• Child Welfare Information Gateway – Adoption by Gay and Lesbian Families
• Human Rights Campaign Foundation – Gay Parenting and Adoption
• International Lesbian and Gay Organization – Legality of LGBTI Adoption Abroad
• National Center for Lesbian Rights – Adoption by LGBTI Families
• National Gay and Lesbian Task Force – Map of Adoption Laws in the United States
• PFLAG – Resources for Parents of LGBTI Children
• The Trevor Project – Resources for LGBTI Youth