France: New Bill Giving Additional Rights to Employees Seeking Adoption or Undergoing Medically Assisted Conception Treatment
On May 5th 2025, a new bill was presented before the French Parliament seeking to extend the protection of employees seeking adoption or undergoing medically assisted conception treatment.
It is currently prohibited for a company to ask a female employee whether she is undergoing or envisaging treatment for a medically assisted conception or to refuse to hire, terminate her employment contract during her trial period or transfer her to another position on such grounds.
The new bill, if adopted, will also prohibit any decisions based on such grounds regarding compensation, training, promotions etc. and extend such protection to male employees as well.
Such protection will cover employees, both male and female, seeking adoption whereas the law currently only applies after the child has been adopted.
They could also benefit from time off to attend the necessary medical or administrative appointments.
Key Action Points for Human Resources and In-House Counsel
Check what policy you have in place regarding employees seeking adoption or undergoing medically assisted conception treatment.
