This is the end of discrimination between couples. On Tuesday, February 8, 2022, a bill to facilitate adoption procedures for children was finally passed by parliament.
The National Assembly had the last word against the Senate. 96 votes in favour, 15 against and 4 abstentions. Here is the result of the vote on the adoption reform, proposed in 2020 by LREM MP Monique Limon. Presented as a “progress text”, this bill aims to facilitate procedures at a time when thousands of families are still waiting.
“This law will allow more children to be adopted and will ensure greater emotional and physical safety for children. †
Adrien Taquet, Secretary of State for Children, quoted by: West France
What does it change?
From now on, adoption is open to PACS or cohabiting couples. Until then it was only about married couples and singles, but for Monique Limon: “Marriage used to be a guarantee of safety and therefore protection for children, but that is no longer the case. †
In addition, adopters aged 26 (compared to 28 years previously) can adopt a child. As for the minimum duration of ordinary life, it is reduced from two to one year.
But that is not everything. In addition to combating discrimination related to trade union rules, this law also aims to end inequalities related to parenthood between people of the same sex. Henceforth, a woman who has resorted to assisted reproduction (MAP) abroad and who has since been separated from her husband will be able to adopt the child she did not bear, despite the mother’s opposition .
A step forward in the children’s collection
Biological parents who decide to divorce their child must agree to become a state guardian. Once this consent has been obtained, the child can be adopted.
With this reform, the family council also changes. This guardianship body of the departments of the state, which makes decisions about their life projects, will no longer consist of two experts in the field of child protection, but of a single professional in the medical, psychological or social field. A specialist in the fight against discrimination will also make an appearance.
As a reminder, every year in France there are more than 10,000 approvals to adopt a child in progress. A number higher than the adopted adoptions. In 2019, for example, 706 children (out of a total of 3,248 adoptable children) joined their new family and 421 were adopted abroad.
A big step forward for couples and children waiting to be adopted.