§ 5-3B-19. Considerations.

   (a) In general. -- In ruling on a petition for a prospective adoptee's adoption under this subtitle, a court shall consider:

   (1) all factors necessary to determine the prospective adoptee's best interests; and

   (2) any report prepared for the court.

(b) "Disability" defined; withholding consent. --

   (1) (i) In this subsection, "disability" means:

         1. a physical disability, infirmity, malformation, or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect, or illness, including epilepsy;

         2. a mental impairment or deficiency;

         3. a record of having a physical or mental impairment as defined under this paragraph; or

         4. being regarded as having a physical or mental impairment as defined under this paragraph.

      (ii) "Disability" includes:

         1. any degree of paralysis or amputation;

         2. blindness or visual impairment;

         3. deafness or hearing impairment;

         4. muteness or speech impediment;

         5. physical reliance on a service animal or a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device; and

         6. intellectual disability, as defined in § 7-101 of the Health - General Article, and any other mental impairment or deficiency that may have necessitated remedial or special education and related services.

   (2) In ruling on an adoption petition under this subtitle, a court may not deny the petition solely because the petitioner:

      (i) is single or unmarried; or

      (ii) has a disability.

HISTORY: 2006, ch. 365, § 2; 2009, chs. 567, 568.