Italy's new law banning the pursuit of international surrogacy aims to uphold women's dignity, according to its conservative government, yet it draws criticism for limiting family options for gay and infertile couples.
Italy Criminalizes Seeking Surrogacy Abroad Amidst Controversy
Italy Criminalizes Seeking Surrogacy Abroad Amidst Controversy
A newly passed Italian law prohibits citizens from pursuing surrogacy outside the country, sparking debate over family rights.
Italy has enacted a law that criminalizes pursuing surrogacy abroad, a move led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's conservative government to assert women's dignity. While surrogacy is already illegal within Italy, this law extends penalties to citizens seeking such services in countries where it is lawful, including parts of the United States. Approved by the Italian Senate with a vote of 84 to 58, the legislation has faced backlash for potentially infringing on the rights of gay and infertile couples to form families, as it restricts adoption to heterosexual couples only. This controversial measure has primarily been championed by the hard-right Brothers of Italy party, motivated by its rejection of surrogacy and adoption by LGBTQ+ couples. Critics argue that the law will face legal challenges due to its extensive reach, which appears to target a small population amidst Italy's declining birthrate. This legislation reflects the conservative base's influence in Italian politics and raises significant concerns about family rights and equality.
