French lesbians and single women to get IVF rights

29 June 2021

France has passed a law allowing single women and lesbian couples to get fertility treatment, currently reserved for heterosexual couples.

The National Assembly (lower house) vote follows two years of heated debate and demonstrations by groups opposed to this expansion of reproductive rights.

Many French women have gone to Belgium and Spain for fertility treatment, which can be very expensive.

The new law brings France into line with 10 other EU countries and the UK.

Besides Belgium and Spain, the 10 are: Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal and Sweden. Outside the EU, Iceland and Norway have similar legal provisions.

A recent Ifop opinion poll found 67% of French respondents favour the new law.

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