French Government Reverses Plan to Destroy Thousands of Frozen Embryos

In response to public outcry, existing embryos from anonymous donors will remain available for use under new conditions, while anonymous gamete donations are phased out.

A 2021 bioethics law in France, which required the destruction of embryos created with anonymous donor gametes, has been amended following widespread criticism.
The Ministry of Health announced that existing embryos from anonymous donors will not be destroyed but can only be used if parents sign an informed consent document acknowledging potential limitations on children's access to donor origins.
Gametes (sperm and eggs) from anonymous donors can no longer be used for new procedures after March 31, 2025, aligning with the law's emphasis on donor identity transparency.
The decision follows significant opposition from medical professionals, advocacy groups, and affected families, who argued the original plan disrupted ongoing parental projects and created inequities.
Discussions about implementing a temporary moratorium or further adjustments to the law are ongoing, with meetings planned between the government, medical professionals, and advocacy groups in the coming days.