Equality Act 2010 - what it means for lesbian women

Under the Equality Act 2010 PCT’s would be unable to treat same sex couples any differently to heterosexual couples. It would be unlawful therefore for your local PCT to say a particular treatment was only available for heterosexual couples and not same sex couples or for heterosexual women and not lesbians. The criteria they ask for from same sex couples would need to be the same and they would need to assess you in the same way. If their policy states that a heterosexual couple would be entitled to fertility treatment if the woman has been diagnosed with a fertility issue and are entitled to certain drugs then the same should be applied for same sex couples.

Stonewall are working with PCT’s across the country to help them address the health needs of lesbian and bisexual women. You may also find the following contact of use:

Equality and Human Rights Commission
http://www.equalityhumanrights.com

Infertility Network UK
http://www.infertilitynetworkuk.com