Currently, the various ART techniques, whether artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization or embryo transfer, are reserved for heterosexual couples. They must meet a number of conditions:be married or cohabiting, have lived together for at least two years, and be the victim of medically assisted infertility for one of the two (or both) members of the couple. ART can also be considered if one of the parents is a carrier of a serious disease that can be transmitted to the child. Sperm and egg donations are permitted by law. On the other hand, the use of a surrogate mother (surrogacy or GPA) is prohibited in France.
Do you want a child, but despite your various attempts you are unable to get pregnant? First, talk to your doctor or gynecologist. He or she may prescribe an infertility checkup for you and your partner to determine the problem and consider the best treatment. If necessary, you can then be referred, as a couple, to a medically assisted procreation center. The team of this center is present to inform and advise couples, and to determine the best technique to try according to each case. Whatever assisted reproduction technique is envisaged (artificial insemination, IVF, sperm or oocyte donation), it must take place in an approved centre. This is located in a public or private health establishment, and brings together different specialists:gynecologists-obstetricians, psychologists… There are around a hundred of them in France.
