Assisted reproductive technology in France: The reproductive rights of LGBT people

Abstract

Background: In 2021, France authorized ART with sperm donor for female couples and single women.

Objectives: We summarize here the possibilities of ART among LGBT people in France to date, pointing out the main restrictions for LGBT reproductive rights, requiring future legislative changes.

Results: Despite the latest modification of the French bioethics laws which notably opens ART to female couples, French legislation still excludes most LGBT people from parenthood through ART, especially gay men and transgender people in most cases. Surrogacy, ROPA, co-parenting and directed sperm donation are banned.

Conclusions: Legalize ROPA and overcome gender issues for trans people are necessary. A French model of surrogacy is to be considered.

Keywords: Assisted reproductive technology; Fertility preservation; LGBT; ROPA; Surrogacy.