New law blocks Italians from pursuing surrogacy overseas, aimed at protecting women's dignity but criticized for limiting family options, impacting LGBTQ+ and infertile couples most.
Italy Extends Ban on Surrogacy to Citizens Seeking Services Abroad
Italy Extends Ban on Surrogacy to Citizens Seeking Services Abroad
Italy's government enforces stricter surrogacy laws affecting those seeking options abroad, sparking controversy.
In a significant move reflecting the ruling government's conservative bend, Italy's Senate has passed a controversial law criminalizing citizens from seeking surrogacy services abroad. This decision, spearheaded by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's supporters, aims at enhancing the existing laws that already prohibit surrogacy within Italy. With 84 senators voting for and 58 against the bill, the legislation intends to enforce legal repercussions on those who venture to countries where surrogacy is permitted, such as parts of the United States.
The rationale behind the law, as articulated by its proponents, is the protection of women's dignity. The Roman Catholic Church and various feminist groups in Italy have long denounced the practice as exploitative. Despite this, the law's critics argue it notably disadvantages gay and infertile couples, who rely heavily on surrogacy to build families due to restricted adoption policies which in Italy, favor heterosexual couples. Analysts suggest that this dramatic legislative step serves as a vehicle for Ms. Meloni to consolidate her hard-right political base, which predominantly opposes surrogacy and same-sex adoptions.
While similar bans exist in numerous European countries, Italy’s new regulation stands out for its extraterritorial reach, leading some experts to question its legal sustainability. This new law predominantly affects a minority of Italian families amidst the nation’s ongoing demographic challenges, potentially deterring people from having children in a society already marked by a declining birthrate. The law's impact on gay couples is particularly concerning, as it narrows their very limited options for family formation under Italy's stringent regulations.
The rationale behind the law, as articulated by its proponents, is the protection of women's dignity. The Roman Catholic Church and various feminist groups in Italy have long denounced the practice as exploitative. Despite this, the law's critics argue it notably disadvantages gay and infertile couples, who rely heavily on surrogacy to build families due to restricted adoption policies which in Italy, favor heterosexual couples. Analysts suggest that this dramatic legislative step serves as a vehicle for Ms. Meloni to consolidate her hard-right political base, which predominantly opposes surrogacy and same-sex adoptions.
While similar bans exist in numerous European countries, Italy’s new regulation stands out for its extraterritorial reach, leading some experts to question its legal sustainability. This new law predominantly affects a minority of Italian families amidst the nation’s ongoing demographic challenges, potentially deterring people from having children in a society already marked by a declining birthrate. The law's impact on gay couples is particularly concerning, as it narrows their very limited options for family formation under Italy's stringent regulations.
