Attorneys see surge of LGBTQ+ parents seeking to adopt their children before new Trump term

LGBTQ+ parents are taking extra steps to ensure their child will always be considered their child's legal parentage.

Adoptions and parentage orders are court orders recognized across states and can’t be undone if a state legislature decides to roll back protections for LGBTQ+ families.

Project 2025 , the document that lays out priorities for a second Trump term, envisions a federal government that uplifts families made up of a married mother and father.

Parents should be recognized as parents of children born to same-sex couples under the law.

Discrimination against LGBTQ+ families has led to uneven adoption of that standard.

Adoptions are a popular option because they are more commonly understood and “universally recognized” across states and countries.

“We are also thinking, can we always be there for him?” Swelson said. “Can we ensure that no matter what happens he has his moms — forever?” Support Provided By: Learn more Support PBS News: Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm..