Europe's first fertility clinic dedicated to lesbians and single women opens in London on Monday - but still lacks a licence to carry out treatments.

The "Mannotincluded" Women's New Life Centre is based in Harley Street, and says it will offer a confidential service to women without a male partner.

There is already an internet site which matches prospective parents with sperm donors.

The clinic's founders claim that lesbians and single women are treated in an "insensitive" way by established centres.

John Gonzales said: "Even those clinics that do accept them do not seem to understand the different needs and circumstances of these social groups."

Like the website, the clinic will vet potential sperm donors and test them for HIV and genetic defects.

However, it will also offer pre-treatment assessment and emotional support to women patients.

Insemination

At present, the clinic hopes to offer only donor insemination, rather than the full range of fertility treatments including IVF.

Mr Gonzales said that women would be made aware of the ethical and legal issues surrouding assisted reproduction - and the implications for any children born.

We will consider the centre's application in the same way as any other centre applying for a licence

Ann Furedi, HFEA

However, the centre is still without a licence to carry out donor insemination and to store frozen sperm on the premises.

No treatments can be carried out unless this is granted by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).

In the meantime, only assessments and counselling can be carried out.

Ann Furedi, HFEA spokeswoman, said: "We will consider the centre's application in the same way as any other centre applying for a licence to carry out donor insemination."

Gay and lesbian groups have welcomed the clinic's arrival.

Alex Friesen, from the Rainbow Network, said: "The stress generally felt by couples who used assisted reproduction services is even greater for lesbians and single women."

Peter Garrett, from Life, said: "The child's need for a father should be respected.

"What we are doing here with natural procreation is turning it into some pick and mix stand."