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Joint adoption by a same-sex couple

What this indicator measures

Shows whether national law allows a same-sex couple to adopt a child together. The possibility of adopting as a single person is not taken into account here.

How to read this?

“Allowed” means that a same-sex couple can adopt jointly under national law.

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194countries with data
2025data year(s)

In brief

Joint adoption by a same-sex couple: 194 countries and territories covered. Breakdown: Allowed : 38 ; Not allowed : 155 ; Varies by region : 1.

Why this indicator matters

Comparing this point shows whether the law recognizes a same-sex couple as a household that can adopt together. It relates to parentage, the legal protection of the child and equality in family law.

What makes this indicator vary

The rules depend on the history of family law, the place of civil marriage, court decisions and enacted reforms. In some countries, regions or provinces also set their own rules.

Reading precautions

The indicator covers only joint adoption, not adoption by a single person. It describes national law, not the practices of social services. Regional cases are classified separately.

Joint adoption by a same-sex couple

Allowed (38)

Not allowed (155)

Varies by region (1)

Frequently asked questions

Where does the "Joint adoption by a same-sex couple" data come from?

It comes from Velasco, LGBTI National Policy Dataset (via Our World in Data). Site last updated: November 8, 2026. Each country is shown with the year of its most recent value.

What does joint adoption mean?

It means that two people in a couple adopt the same child together and both become its legal parents. It differs from adoption by a single person.

What does “Varies by region” mean?

It means that national law does not settle everything: the rules change from one region or territory to another. There is therefore no single answer for the whole country.

Source and update

Source : Velasco, LGBTI National Policy Dataset (via Our World in Data). Site last updated: November 8, 2026.

Indicators in the same category : LGBTQ+ rights