Assisted human reproduction outside the French legal and medical framework: issues and challenges

Authors: Virginie Rozée and Elise de La Rochebrochard

While assisted reproductive services are available in France to enable men and women to conceive their children, some go abroad to use assisted reproduction. For what reasons? How many people are concerned? After describing legislation on medically assisted reproduction (MAR) in France, and comparing it with that of other countries, Virginie Rozée and Elise de La Rochebrochard explain that little is known about these French nationals using MAR outside the legal framework and present the Outside-ART (AMP sans frontières) survey designed to fill this knowledge gap.

The French bioethics low was amended in 2021 to take account of medical and societal advances, notably regarding medically assisted reproduction (MAR). One of its aims is to limit use of MAR outside the legal and medical framework. French legislation nonetheless remains restrictive compared with other European countries, so the practice is liable to continue. To shed light on the current situation and anticipate future developments, INED is launching the Outside-ART survey to study the diverse range of assisted reproductive experiences and practices.

Published on: 20/10/2021