FINNQUEER May 28, 2002

The American Psychoanalytic Association Supports Gay/Lesbian Parenting Gary Grossman, Ph.D.

The American Psychoanalytic Association Announces Position Statement on Gay/Lesbian Parenting. During the 91st annual meeting of The American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA) held recently in Philadelphia, APsaA members announced their support of the position that the primary consideration in decisions about parenting, including conception, child rearing, adoption, visitation and custody is the best interest of the child.

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The American Psychoanalytic Association Announces Position Statement on Gay/Lesbian Parenting

During the 91st annual meeting of The American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA) held recently in Philadelphia, APsaA members announced their support of the position that the primary consideration in decisions about parenting, including conception, child rearing, adoption, visitation and custody is the best interest of the child.

"It is disturbing to hear about cases in which gay or lesbian parents are being denied custody or the right to adopt solely on the basis of their sexual orientation- that's discrimination. The American Psychoanalytic Association deplores such discrimination and is especially troubled when psychological findings are distorted, misrepresented or blatantly ignored, as is so often the case in these legal decisions," remarked APsaA President Newell Fisher, MD.

The American Psychoanalytic Association deplores such discrimination and is especially troubled when psychological findings are distorted

Accumulated evidence suggests the best interest of the child requires attachment to committed, nurturing and competent parents. Evaluation of an individual or couple for these parental qualities should be determined without prejudice regarding sexual orientation. APsaA believes that gay and lesbian individuals and couples are capable of meeting the best interest of the child and should be afforded the same rights and should accept the same responsibilities as heterosexual parents.

With the adoption of this position statement, APsaA also supports research studies that further the understanding of the impact of both traditional and gay/lesbian parenting on a child's development.

"By issuing this statement, gay and lesbian parents or prospective parents will now be able to include the position of the American Psychoanalytic Association as part of their supporting documents in their legal proceedings," commented Gary Grossman, Ph.D., Chair, APsaA's Committee on Gay & Lesbian Issues.

Founded in 1911, APsaA is a professional organization of psychoanalysts throughout the United States. The Association is composed of Affiliate Societies and Training Institutes in many cities and has approximately 3,500 individual members. APsaA is a Regional Association of the International Psychoanalytical Association.