New Hampshire House Votes for Second Parent Adoption, Bill Moves to Senate
The New Hampshire House of Representatives today passed HB 51, which would allow two unmarried adults to adopt a child. The bill passed with a vote of 234-127, and now moves on to the Senate.
Second Parent Adoption:
1. Assures children that their relationship with both parents is stable and legally recognized.
2. Protects the child’s ongoing relationship with, and support from, both parents in the event of separation.
3. Creates the basis for financial security for children in the event of the death of either parent by ensuring eligibility to all appropriate entitlements, such as Social Security survivor’s benefits.
4.Provides legal grounds for either parent to provide consent for medical care and to make education, health care, and other important decision on behalf the child.
5.Ensures the child’s eligibility for health benefits from both parents.
National organizations that support second parent adoption include:
American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Anthropological Association, American Bar Association, American Medical Assocation, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychoanalytic Association, Child Welfare League of America, National Association of Social Workers, North American Council on Adoptable Children.