IMR 's recent research for SIGMA is becoming a useful source of knowledge on the multifaceted issue of childbearing and same-sex families. There is no reason to stigmatise the research. Through the results of the survey, it is important to recognise the positive elements that can enhance social acceptance through policy formulation, while at the same time the negative aspects should be the subject of reflection and action.
Considering that the public debate is only about same-sex couples having children, as opposed to other ways in which a same-sex couple currently has children, I will only address this issue, leaving aside the fact that two people who have entered into a civil partnership want to create their own family.
To begin with, it is disappointing to see such an important debate as the one on procreation reduced to such a superficial and simplistic discussion. This focus on the rights of same-sex couples distracts from the most fundamental issue: the best interests of children.
It is obvious that most of those who argue that it is better for children to stay on the roofs (now juvenile shelters) than to be placed in same-sex families, simply have not visited children in some of these places and speak with a false idea that is not based on reality.
The children in the shelters are orphans, abused children, children with drug-using parents who were deemed unfit to care for them, children whose parents are in prison and left alone without close relatives to take them into their own homes, and generally children from families with various problems.
We are also talking about children who, when they turn 18, have no one to protect them because they are no longer minors. Those in foster care will no longer have formal support. Although the Social Welfare Services try to help children to study and find a home, in practice these children leave the shelters without much financial help and with few opportunities for their future. Why do we condemn them in this way so easily?
Same-sex families who are ready and willing to offer love, support and stability to these children should not be ignored or fought. The idea that a parent's sexual orientation will negatively impact a child's development is demonstrably false and outdated. On the contrary, several studies prove that children who grow up in same-sex families usually grow up with better outcomes.
We must finally look beyond outdated stereotypes and preconceived notions and focus on what really matters: the well-being, security and happiness of children who need a home, a family, a future, not only until they reach adulthood but as a support at various stages of their lives.
Same-sex families who are ready and willing to offer love, support and stability to these children should not be ignored or fought. The idea that a parent's sexual orientation will negatively impact a child's development is demonstrably false and outdated. On the contrary, several studies prove that children who grow up in same-sex families usually grow up with better outcomes.
Same-sex families who are ready and willing to offer love, support and stability to these children should not be ignored or fought. The idea that a parent's sexual orientation will negatively impact a child's development is demonstrably false and outdated. On the contrary, several studies prove that children who grow up in same-sex families usually grow up with better outcomes.
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