A light show is performed on the Eiffel Tower to celebrate its 130th anniversary in Paris, France, May 15, 2019. Built in Paris for then world's fair, the Eiffel Tower has become the pride and symbol of France. (Photo: Xinhua)

Lesbian couples and single women in France are set to celebrate a milestone on Tuesday when parliament finally passes a bill giving them access to fertility treatment. Under current French law, only heterosexual couples have the right to access medically assisted procreation methods such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). 

The reform will bring France in line with several European countries, including Belgium and Spain, currently two of the top destinations for French lesbian couples and single women looking for help to conceive.

Under the proposed law, which was first ratified by the National Assembly in October 2019 but then held up in the Senate, France's healthcare system will cover the cost of fertility procedures for all women under 43.

The legislation addresses several issues arising out of the massive increase in the use of fertility treatment in recent years.

It allows children conceived with donor sperm to learn the donor's identity when they become adults, ending the anonymity that donors in France have been guaranteed until now.

But it stops short at legalizing surrogacy, a practice used by some gay couples to have children that is still widely rejected in France.

AFP