Key Takeaways
- In 2019, same-sex divorce accounted for 8.2% of all divorces in the United States
- In 2019, there were 76,600 same-sex divorces in the United States
- The CDC reported 238,000 divorces involving same-sex spouses in the United States for 2018
- In the United States, 27% of same-sex couples reported having ever been divorced (analysis from National Survey of Family Growth via Williams Institute)
- In the United States, 21% of same-sex couples reported having ever experienced a separation (Williams Institute report based on NSFG)
- According to Williams Institute, same-sex couples are more likely than different-sex couples to have ever been divorced (share shown in report)
- In 2019, same-sex divorces involved at least one spouse previously married 54.0% of the time (CDC table)
- In 2019, same-sex divorces involved both spouses being previously married at 20.0% (CDC table)
- In 2019, same-sex divorces involved one spouse previously married at 34.0% (CDC table)
- In the National Survey of Family Growth analysis (Williams Institute), about 23% of lesbian women and 17% of gay men reported having been divorced or separated (at least once)
- Williams Institute report “Marriage, Divorce…” finds higher stress/negative outcomes associated with divorce among LGBT people
- CDC NCHS data show same-sex divorces increased; such separation is linked to economic impacts that can affect health (context statement)
- CDC reported same-sex divorces increased after 2008, consistent with legalization progress
- NCHS Vital Statistics data used in the CDC brief include divorces with at least one partner identifying as same-sex
- The CDC brief uses 2008–2019 data from National Vital Statistics System (NVSS)
In 2019, 76,600 same-sex divorces were 8.2% of U.S. divorces.
Prevalence & Trends
Prevalence & Trends Interpretation
Demographic Patterns
Demographic Patterns Interpretation
Legal/Procedural Outcomes
Legal/Procedural Outcomes Interpretation
Socioeconomic & Health Consequences
Socioeconomic & Health Consequences Interpretation
Policy & Measurement
Policy & Measurement Interpretation
References
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- 36cdc.gov/yrbs
- 44cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/index.htm
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