Single-Parent Adoption in India: A Call for Inclusive Policy and Practice

Single-parent adoption (SPA) in India remains an under-recognized yet growing pathway to family-building. While the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, and guidelines from the Ministry of Women and Child Development legally permit SPA, the process is often complicated by additional scrutiny, documentation, and societal bias—barriers that can discourage prospective single parents.

Clinicians working with adoptive families should be aware of the unique psychosocial dynamics involved in SPA. Although limited Indian data exist, global studies reveal common concerns such as adjustment difficulties and identity issues in adoptees. However, some research shows that children adopted by single parents, particularly those with prior emotional disturbances, may exhibit fewer behavioral problems and better emotional outcomes.

The prevailing comparison between SPA and two-parent adoption may be misplaced. For many children, the alternative to a single parent is institutional care—not a two-parent home. Clinicians must advocate for the child’s best interests, recognizing that a stable, supportive single-parent environment can be more beneficial than prolonged institutionalization.

The editorial urges policy revisions to remove discriminatory practices and calls on healthcare professionals to support inclusive, evidence-based adoption frameworks. Until robust local data are available, clinical common sense and compassion should guide our approach: a capable single parent may provide the nurturing environment every child deserves.

Reference:

Gupta P, Gupta P. Indian Pediatrics. 2023 Nov;60(11):939–40

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