As a parent I can tell you that children are very adaptable. They can cope with alot as long as they are secure in the love of at least one parent.
I do believe that both parents are preferrable but not absolutely necessary. It is good having a partner however - young kids can be exhausting. It's nice to be able to say - here, you take over for awhile, I need a break!
And having watched some of my friends raise kids, it is true that some people should NOT be parents. Kids require a LOT of time and energy. If you begrudge your time to someone else - don't have kids.

Kathleen