Portuguese lawmakers extend pregnancy rights to gay women

LISBON, Portugal – Gay women will soon have access to artificial insemination in Portugal after the country’s Parliament approved legal changes widening access to the procedure.

Lawmakers voted Friday to change the law on artificial insemination, which previously was restricted to heterosexuals who were married or living together for more than two years.

The changes also brought legal recognition for surrogacy, but only for women with health problems preventing pregnancy. The measures are due to come into force within weeks.

The changes were largely welcomed by gay rights groups and came after left-of-centre parties achieved a parliamentary majority following elections at the end of last year.

Those parties also recently passed legislation allowing same-sex couples to adopt children and removing some abortion restrictions.