Children raised by gay parents ‘healthier’, says new study
By Josh Haggis
A new study in Australia has found that children raised by same-sex parents are “healthier” than those brought up by heterosexual couples.
The study of 315 same-sex parents, raising a total of 500 children, was carried out by researchers from the University of Melbourne. Around 80% of the children had two female parents, while 18% had two male parents.
In terms of “general health” and “family cohesion”, children raised by same-sex parents scored around 6% higher the Australian population at large, reports the Associated Press.
Other barometers of wellbeing – including temperament and mood, behaviour, mental health and self-esteem – were found to be at roughly the same levels in all types of family.
Simon Crouch, the lead researcher on the study, suggested that that children raised by same-sex couples scored higher because their parents are more likely to share childcare and breadwinning responsibilities equally, saying: “This appears to be contributing to a more harmonious household and having a positive impact on child health.”
However, he also pointed out that any social stigma attached to same-sex families has a tangible “impact on the social and emotional wellbeing of [the] children”.
Meanwhile, a recent study in the US found that the brain activity of new gay fathers resembles that of both new mothers and new fathers.
It is hoped that these findings could be used in the debate as to whether gay men should be allowed to adopt children, particularly in the US, where many adoption agencies refuse to let gay couples adopt. Click here to find out more.