The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have declared: “The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).

When birth parents decide not to marry, adoption offers the best way to give their child the opportunity to be raised by both a father and a mother. LDS Family Services, under the direction of the priesthood, has been given the stewardship to provide licensed adoption services to qualified Latter-day Saint couples. Every effort is made to ensure a successful adoption experience, including the temple sealing of the child to the adoptive parents.