Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

LGBTQ

Breaking Barriers: The Journey of LGBTQ+ Adoption

Breaking Barriers: The Journey of LGBTQ+ Adoption

Over the past few decades, there has been a noticeable shift towards more inclusive adoption policies that allow LGBTQ+ people to adopt children. This change has been driven by a combination of evolving public opinions about LGBTQ+ rights and scientific research that supports the well-being of children raised in LGBTQ+ families. Countries like the United States, Canada, and many in Western Europe have made significant strides. In the United States, the Supreme Court’s legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015 paved the way for more uniform adoption rights among states. Similarly, in the UK, the Adoption and Children Act 2002 allowed unmarried couples, including same-sex couples, to apply for adoption jointly.

Research has consistently shown that children raised in LGBTQ+ families perform just as well on various measures of emotional, psychological, and social well-being as children raised in heterosexual families. The main determinants of a child’s well-being are the same in any family: stable relationships, a loving environment, and adequate economic support. LGBTQ+ adoption can alleviate the pressures on the foster care system. In the United States alone, there are over 400,000 children in foster care, many of whom need permanent, loving homes. LGBTQ+ individuals and couples often provide those homes, not only to infants but also to older children and those with special needs, who are statistically less likely to be adopted.


Despite progress, LGBTQ adoptive parents often face legal and societal challenges. In some regions, laws explicitly prohibit LGBTQ+ individuals from adopting or fostering children. Even in more progressive areas, biases and misconceptions can still persist among adoption agencies and biological parents, potentially leading to discrimination during the adoption process. Internationally, the situation can be even more complex. Some countries that are popular origins for international adoptions do not allow LGBTQ+ individuals or couples from other countries to adopt children. Furthermore, varying legal recognitions of LGBTQ+ families across borders can create complications in international adoptions.

Advocacy for LGBTQ+ adoption rights continues to be crucial. Organizations worldwide are working to promote inclusivity in adoption policies and to support LGBTQ+ adoptive families. They provide resources, support networks, and legal assistance while also campaigning for policy changes and raising public awareness about the capabilities of LGBTQ+ individuals and couples as parents. Education is also important to overcoming resistance to LGBTQ+ adoption. Dispelling myths and sharing research and stories about successful LGBTQ+ families can help shift public opinion and reduce stigmatization.

Adoption in the LGBTQ+ community has seen encouraging progress, but the path forward still requires vigilance against discrimination and advocacy for equal rights. Every child deserves a chance to thrive in a loving home, and LGBTQ+ individuals and couples are crucial in providing these opportunities. As societies continue to advance in understanding and acceptance, the hope is that adoption will become an unequivocally accessible and celebrated option for every potential parent, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

More Stories

What is Movember?
Photo by Jan Kopřiva on Unsplash

What is Movember?

Every November we hear about "Movember." So, what is it? Movember, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the unique health challenges men face. While men tend to be less likely to visit doctors regularly or discuss their health concerns openly, they are also more vulnerable to certain health conditions than women. This discrepancy in health outcomes is not just due to genetics; behavioral factors, societal norms, and access to healthcare play significant roles in why men are more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses and preventable diseases. Understanding these factors and making proactive changes can help improve men’s health outcomes.

Why Are Men More Likely to Get Sick?

  1. Higher Risk of Chronic Diseases Men are more likely to develop certain chronic conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the U.S., responsible for nearly one in four deaths. Men are also at a higher risk for conditions like prostate cancer, lung cancer, and liver disease【1】.Several factors contribute to this increased risk, including biological differences in how men and women process fat, hormones, and stress. For instance, testosterone in men has been linked to higher cholesterol levels, which increase the risk of heart disease【2】.
  2. Poor Health Habits Men are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and lack of physical activity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men are more likely to drink alcohol in excess and smoke cigarettes compared to women, both of which contribute to a higher risk of conditions like lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and liver damage【3】.Additionally, men are less likely to engage in preventative care practices such as regular physical exams, screenings, and vaccinations. Studies show that men are significantly less likely to visit a healthcare provider for routine check-ups, which can result in delayed diagnosis and treatment of conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes【4】.
  3. Mental Health Stigma Mental health is another area where men are more likely to struggle in silence. Societal norms often discourage men from expressing vulnerability or seeking help for emotional distress. As a result, men are more likely to experience mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse without seeking the necessary help. Suicide rates are higher in men, with men accounting for about 75% of all suicide deaths in the U.S【5】. The stigma surrounding mental health in men has contributed to these outcomes, preventing many from getting the support they need.
  4. Genetics and Biology Biological factors also contribute to differences in health outcomes between men and women. For instance, men are more prone to certain types of cancers, such as prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Genetics can also play a role in male-specific conditions like male pattern baldness and erectile dysfunction, which can affect overall well-being and quality of life【6】.

What Can Men Do to Improve Their Health?

Despite these challenges, men’s health can significantly improve with proactive care and lifestyle changes. Here are some ways men can take charge of their health:

Keep ReadingShow less

Pancreatic Cancer: The Legacy of Patrick Swayze and the Fight for Better Treatments

What 80's kid didn't love Patrick Swayze? Johnny Castle, Bohdi, James Dalton, Vida Boheme, and pancreatic cancer patient. Less than two years after he was diagnosed, Patrick Swayze died. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and challenging cancers to diagnose and treat, earning a reputation as one of the deadliest forms of cancer. Despite accounting for only about 3% of all cancers in the U.S., it ranks as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Its high mortality rate makes it crucial to understand the factors behind its severity and the advancements being made to combat it 【1】【2】.

Why Is Pancreatic Cancer So Deadly?

  1. Late Diagnosis
    Pancreatic cancer is often referred to as a "silent killer" because symptoms usually appear only in advanced stages. Common signs, such as abdominal pain, jaundice, and weight loss, often overlap with other conditions, delaying diagnosis. By the time pancreatic cancer is detected, it has often spread to other organs, making treatment more difficult 【2】【3】.
  2. Aggressive Nature
    Pancreatic tumors are highly invasive and have a unique ability to metastasize quickly. The cancer often spreads to the liver, lungs, or surrounding blood vessels, further limiting treatment options 【3】.
  3. Resistance to Treatment
    Unlike some cancers that respond well to chemotherapy or radiation, pancreatic cancer is often resistant to these therapies. Its dense tissue environment, called the tumor microenvironment, acts as a barrier, protecting cancer cells from treatment 【4】.
  4. Genetic Complexity
    Pancreatic cancer exhibits numerous genetic mutations, which complicates the development of targeted therapies. This genetic diversity makes it challenging to identify universal treatment strategies 【5】.
  5. Low Survival Rates
    The five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is just 12%, one of the lowest among major cancers. However, early detection can significantly improve outcomes, with localized cases having a five-year survival rate of around 44% 【1】.

What Is Being Done to Improve Treatment?

Despite its challenges, significant progress is being made in pancreatic cancer research and treatment:

Keep ReadingShow less

Advancements and Hope During National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

German psychiatrist Dr. Alois Alzheimer discovered Alzheimer's disease in 1906. He had a patient named Auguste Deter who suffered from memory loss, paranoia, and other psychological changes. After Deter died, Alzheimer examined her brain and found abnormal deposits and shrinkage around nerve cells, which are now known as amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Every November, National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month draws attention to a condition that affects millions of lives and families across the United States. Established in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan, this observance aims to increase awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, highlight advancements in research, and inspire hope for a future free from its devastating effects.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases worldwide. It is a progressive neurological disorder that impairs memory, thinking, and behavior, ultimately making it difficult for individuals to carry out daily activities. Today, over 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s, a number projected to nearly double by 2050 without medical breakthroughs 【1】【2】.

Keep ReadingShow less

Healing Right: Why Following Post-Surgery Instructions Is Essential for Recovery

Surgery has been a big part of my life recently. I've learned that recovering from surgery involves more than just the procedure itself—it requires patients to actively follow post-surgery care instructions provided by their healthcare team. Doctors give these guidelines and instructions that are carefully designed to promote healing, prevent complications, and ensure a successful outcome. Not paying attention to these instructions can lead to significant risks, including infections, delayed recovery, or even the need for additional surgeries.

Why Post-Surgery Instructions Matter

  1. Promotes Proper Healing
    Post-surgery care plans typically include wound care, activity restrictions, dietary guidelines, and prescribed medications. Each of these elements plays a critical role in ensuring the body heals effectively. For example, keeping a surgical site clean and following wound care instructions reduces the risk of infection—a complication that affects approximately 2–5% of surgical patients in the U.S. annually【1】.
  2. Prevents Complications
    Ignoring instructions, such as lifting restrictions or avoiding certain foods, can lead to serious complications. For instance, strenuous activity too soon after surgery might result in reopening wounds, internal bleeding, or herniation. These risks are why surgeons often stress the importance of gradual return to normal activities【2】.
  3. Reduces Risk of Infections
    Post-operative infections are one of the most common complications following surgery. Proper hygiene, timely dressing changes, and compliance with antibiotic prescriptions are key to minimizing this risk. Non-compliance with these measures can lead to surgical site infections (SSIs), which are linked to prolonged hospital stays, additional procedures, and increased medical costs【3】.
  4. Ensures Medication Effectiveness
    Medications prescribed post-surgery, such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or anticoagulants, need to be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or stopping prematurely can result in unmanaged pain, inflammation, or dangerous blood clots, particularly after procedures like joint replacements or abdominal surgeries【4】.

What Could Go Wrong Without Compliance?

  1. Infection and Sepsis
    Neglecting wound care can allow bacteria to enter the surgical site, potentially causing localized infections or sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Studies show that early infection detection and treatment are crucial, with delayed care leading to mortality rates of up to 30% in severe cases【3】【5】.
  2. Delayed Recovery
    Disregarding physical therapy or mobility instructions can slow the healing process and lead to stiffness, loss of strength, or reduced range of motion. For example, patients recovering from orthopedic surgeries who skip therapy may experience long-term limitations【6】.
  3. Wound Dehiscence
    Wound dehiscence, where the surgical incision reopens, is a serious complication often caused by ignoring lifting restrictions or failing to maintain proper wound care. This issue can require additional surgeries to repair【7】.
  4. Increased Financial and Emotional Burden
    Non-compliance with post-surgery care often results in hospital readmissions or corrective procedures, which increase medical expenses and prolong recovery. This added stress can also affect mental well-being, leading to anxiety or depression【8】.

Key Steps for a Smooth Recovery

To avoid these risks, patients should:

Keep ReadingShow less

A Caregiver's Journey; Part 4: My Story

Caregiving is a role that few are prepared for. It demands patience, resilience, and a kind of selflessness that can be all-consuming. I never thought of myself as a natural caregiver, and yet, life has put me in this role time and time again. I previously identified with the scene in 30 Rock when Liz is sick and Jack’s idea of making her feel better is to rub her back with a broom. It’s not that I don’t love and care for the people in my life. I have nieces and a nephew that I would literally do anything for. If they needed a heart to live, I’d give them mine. I have four dogs that I would mortgage my house for, but in 2017 something in me changed.

I met my friend Nina in 2014 through my best friend’s boyfriend. The four of us became a little best friend family. She was my girl bestie… my “nestor,” as I called her. In early 2016 we found out that Nina had cervical cancer. She was going to have a radical hysterectomy to remove the cancer and then we were all going to move on with our lives. When they went to do the surgery, they found that the cancer had spread. She started radiation and chemo immediately. By October of 2016 the doctors declared Nina cancer free. On New Year’s Eve we celebrate that 2016 was the year Nina beat cancer and we were going to move into 2017 healthy and ready to take on the world. By New Year’s Eve 2017, Nina had passed away from cervical cancer.

Keep ReadingShow less
×