Netherlands Extends Adoption Rights for Lesbian Mothers

A new extension of adoption rights in the Netherlands is making building a family much easier for lesbian parents.

According to Expatica, February saw new rules go into effect that allow lesbian Dutch citizens to recognize their partner's children without formally adopting them. This gives women the option of merely inheriting parentship, versus having to go through an often pricey legal proceeding.

Dutch same-sex couples have been permitted to adopt together since 2001, when marriage equality passed in the European country. Because of a legal technicality that keeps parentship with the mother, the new rules do not affect gay male couples.

COC Nederland, a Dutch LGBT organization, reported that "at least 20 couples took advantage of the new rules and formally recognised their partners’ children" on the first day the rules were enacted.