New study reveals most inclusive countries for LGBTQ+ couples planning a family

Recent research has identified the most inclusive countries for LGBTQ+ individuals to raise a family, with less promising news for same-sex couples in the UK.

While some countries have improved LGBTQ+ rights in family planning and broader society by 2024, others will enter 2025 at a disadvantage after enacting more anti-LGBTQ+ laws and rhetoric. The study from Emisil highlights the most inclusive countries for family growth in 2025. The experts in trans prosthetics assessed LGBTQ+-friendly countries for same-sex family planning based on legal protections, societal acceptance, and environmental safety for LGBTQ+ families.

According to ‘MSN’, they also took into account the year same-sex adoption was legalised, living expense affordability, average income levels, and healthcare accessibility. Given the UK’s cost of living crisis and disparities in funding for same-sex IVF alone, the country doesn’t make this list.

Switzerland

Known for its breathtaking mountains and delicious cheese and chocolates, Switzerland is acclaimed as the world's best country for LGBTQ+ families.

With high levels of societal acceptance, it boasts the highest safety ratings at 74 percent and achieved an overall score of 99. The average annual income stands at $95K (approximately £75.8K), and the country encourages a healthy work-life balance, with an average workweek of 34.5 hours.

For family expansion, parents receive 14 weeks of maternity leave at 80 percent of earnings, capped at CHF 220 (£194.95) per day for the birthing parent. The second parent receives two weeks of paid leave, applicable also to parents adopting a child under four.

According to AXA, preschools and daycares generally cost between CHF 110 (£97.50) and 130 (£115.20) per day, with parents covering between 30 to 100 percent of this based on earnings.

Norway

Norway ranks second, with an overall score of 96, leading in LGBTQ+ equality with an 87 percent rating, tops among the listed countries, and the highest annual income of $102K.

Legalizing same-sex marriage in 2009, Norway has fostered a supportive environment for families, offering notably affordable childcare and a minimum of 49 weeks of paid maternity leave.

Denmark

Denmark is third among the top countries for LGBTQ+ families, with an overall score of 94.

It strongly supports LGBTQ+ families, with 80 percent societal acceptance, one of the highest globally. LGBTQ+ families benefit from excellent safety ratings of 74 percent and a robust healthcare system with an 82 percent coverage index.

The Netherlands

Fourth on the list is the Netherlands, with a score of 92. As the first country to pioneer same-sex marriage rights in 2001, it offers 90 percent legal protection and a 78 percent equality rating.

Honorable Mentions

Additional top countries for LGBTQ+ families include Germany in fifth place, Spain in sixth, Finland in seventh, Austria in eighth, Portugal in ninth, and Australia rounding out the list at tenth.