‘Two Families Rejected Her; We Won’t’—Experiences of Same-Sex Couples in the Chilean Public Adoption System

Rodolfo Morrison, Cleber Tiago Cirineu (), Nicolás Chávez, Nallely Retamal, Paulina Reyes, Amanda Sepúlveda and Daniel Lagos-Ceron
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Rodolfo Morrison: Escuela de Terapia Ocupacional, Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomás, Los Ángeles 4440000, Chile
Cleber Tiago Cirineu: Departamento de Terapia Ocupacional y Ciencia de la Ocupación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile
Nicolás Chávez: Departamento de Terapia Ocupacional y Ciencia de la Ocupación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile
Nallely Retamal: Departamento de Terapia Ocupacional y Ciencia de la Ocupación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile
Paulina Reyes: Departamento de Terapia Ocupacional y Ciencia de la Ocupación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile
Amanda Sepúlveda: Departamento de Terapia Ocupacional y Ciencia de la Ocupación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile
Daniel Lagos-Ceron: Departamento de Terapia Ocupacional y Ciencia de la Ocupación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile

Societies, 2024, vol. 14, issue 12, 1-21

Abstract: In Chile, same-sex couples have faced legal and social barriers that limit their equitable access to the adoption process. Objective: To explore the experiences of three same-sex couples who completed the adoption process in the Chilean public system before implementing the equal marriage law in 2022. Method: A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed, using semi-structured interviews to collect narratives from adoptive families. The information was analyzed using qualitative content analysis, identifying patterns and emerging themes. Results: It was revealed that families identified a market-driven logic within the adoption process, where personal preferences and prejudices influence the adoption decisions of traditional families, from which same-sex couples try to distance themselves. Additionally, significant challenges related to emotional bonding and family adaptation post-adoption were identified. Same-sex couples reported being clearly in a different position compared to traditional families and faced additional difficulties due to a lack of institutional support and insufficient post-adoption follow-up. Discussion and Conclusions: The need for structural reforms in the Chilean adoption system is highlighted to ensure equity and fair treatment for all families, regardless of their composition. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of implementing inclusive policies that recognize and support family diversity, promoting a fairer and more equitable adoption system that ensures the well-being of all children involved.

Keywords: adoption; homoparental families; same-sex couples; LGBTIQ+; LGBTIQ+ rights; Chile; social justice; qualitative analysis; family inclusion (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A13 A14 P P0 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 Z1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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