How does a civil union differ from marriage in the legal benefits it may provide?

A civil union is a legal status that provides committed couples with rights and responsibilities that approach or are equivalent to those of marriage. While the specific benefits depend on the jurisdiction, civil unions often include:1

• Rights of inheritance
• Hospital visitation and medical decision making
• Differential taxation
• Adoption and artificial insemination rights
• Employee benefits for partners and dependents12

The primary difference often lies in the name and the scope of recognition. Historically, civil unions were developed to provide legal protections to couples—most commonly same-sex couples—who were excluded from the institution of marriage. In some instances, civil unions may not confer the same federal or cross-jurisdictional recognition as a marriage, and they are sometimes viewed as a distinct legal arrangement that avoids the traditional definition of marriage. While terms like civil union and domestic partnership are often used synonymously, their specific legal implications vary significantly by location.132