Choosing Children

1984
Directed by: Debra Chasnoff, Kim Klausner


The documentary "Choosing Children" demonstrated the difficulties of parenthood that many lesbian mothers face. Some of the mothers had children from prior marriages and discussed the challenges of raising their children as divorced lesbian mothers, while other mothers choose to adopt children. The adoption process was another hurdle that these mothers had to overcome, often times facing discrimination and rejection from the agencies because of their sexual orientation and the possibility of losing custody of the adopted child if the couple ever split often occupied their minds. The biological or legal guardian would get custody of the child, while the co-parent would not receive any legal rights. To avoid the hassle of adopting other lesbian couples turned to artificial insemination or their male friends to have children. Despite all the challenges these women faced they were determined to have children, no matter how long it took. "Choosing Children" examines the experiences of various lesbians with children. For example, some of the lesbians got pregnant via a male friend, some elected to use artificial insemination, and there was even a 50/50 lesbian/straight male relationship. The legal hardships of being a lesbian mother are explored, with analysis of how elective adoption agencies can be towards lesbians. Not to mention the fact that a co-mother has almost no rights legally. Additionally, this film also explores the stress many lesbians have to deal with, such as the stress a lesbian mother has to endure with an ex lover. The movie also conducts interviews with children who have lesbian mothers. Furthermore, the prevalent themes in this film are the hardships associated with being a lesbian mother, and the perseverance displayed by many lesbian mothers who are willing to go great lengths to raise a child.

A Brief response by the directors regarding the film's restoration by OUTFEST:
http://groundspark.org/2767

Critical Questions:
http://www.cambridgedocumentaryfilms.org/children.html

IMDB:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0136754/