The adoption of a child by a lesbian couple

Abstract

This case study aimed to analyze the access to parenthood and the adoption process by a lesbian couple. A semi-structured interview and a questionnaire were used with both women, and the data were subjected to thematic analysis. The findings reveal that the adoption was marked by two stages: the couple's struggle to assert the legitimacy of their desire and their right to become mothers, and the surprise at how the process unfolded. From the start, custody was awarded as a definitive decision, which is an unusual ruling in cases of adoption, but not in circumstances involving disabled children. The couple had to deal with prejudice and discrimination from professionals but were able to overcome such challenges due to their persistence and the strong bond they established with the vulnerable child.