Helene Zylberszac was denied in-vitro fertilization because she did not have a man with her when she showed up at McGill University Health Center four years ago.

One of the doctors named in the case admitted the hospital, the Royal Victoria, once had a policy of denying lesbians fertilization services. That policy was abandoned when the federal government passed a law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, the doctor said.

Zylberszac has been awarded $9,005 in physical damages and $10,000 in moral damages by the Quebec Human Rights Commission which the McGill University Health Center and two fertility experts are obliged to pay.

Helene has adopted a child since filing her complaint, and I’m sure this money will be a great help in supporting him or her.