Spain restores free assisted reproduction for singles and lesbians and extends it to transgender people

Spain’s left-wing government restored free access to medically assisted reproduction (ART) for single women and lesbians on Wednesday, November 10, and extended it to transgender people. Authorized by the socialist government of José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero (2004-2011), this access to assisted reproduction via the public health system was limited in 2014 by the Popular Party (right), then in power.

Since that date, assisted reproduction has only been covered for heterosexual couples with fertility or medical problems. People who could not procreate without ART, such as single women or lesbians, therefore had to turn to the private sector.

The government of socialist Pedro Sanchez announced its desire to restore this right shortly after coming to power in June 2018. By decree, “the government has given single women, lesbians and bisexuals access to assisted reproduction techniques in the public health system”, announced the Ministry of Health in a press release. He also decided to “to extend it to transsexual people in gestational capacity”.

The measure, which entered into force on Wednesday, is expected to affect some 8,500 women in Spain, according to the ministry, which welcomed a “important step”. This right to assisted reproduction for all has long been demanded by Spanish organizations for the defense of LGBT people.