Surrogacy ban in Italy faces backlash

Admin

October 18, 2024
2 min read

Rights groups and opposition parties in Italy are denouncing a recently passed law that imposes severe penalties on couples traveling abroad for surrogacy. The legislation, championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing coalition, expands an existing ban on surrogacy and imposes penalties of up to two years in prison and fines reaching €1 million for those who seek surrogacy services in countries where it is legal.

The Senate approved the law with 84 votes in favour and 58 against, fulfilling a campaign promise from Meloni’s coalition. Currently, an estimated 250 Italian couples travel abroad annually to pursue surrogacy, which has now been criminalized under this new measure. Meloni justified the law, stating it is a “rule of common sense” aimed at preventing the exploitation of women and protecting children. She emphasized that “human life is priceless and is not a commodity.”

Critics, however, argue that the law primarily targets LGBTQ+ couples and undermines their reproductive rights, as they are already barred from adoption and in vitro fertilization in Italy. Alessia Crocini, president of Rainbow Families, condemned the law as an “ideological” attack on diverse families, while Filomena Gallo from the Luca Coscioni Association labelled it “useless and even harmful,” claiming it threatens the rights of children born through surrogacy.

During the Senate debate, Ilaria Cucchi from the Green and Left Alliance called the law “inhumane,” stating it only serves to exacerbate stigma and discrimination against families seeking alternative routes to parenthood. Cucchi argued that classifying surrogacy alongside crimes like genocide is unconstitutional, as it penalizes legal activities conducted in other countries.

Supporters of the law, including Lucio Malan from Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party, contend that surrogacy is inherently exploitative and equate it with “child trafficking,” arguing that it deprives children of their natural mothers. Matteo Salvini, leader of the far-right League party, heralded the legislation as a victory against the “squalid millionaires’ business” that commodifies women and children. As Italy grapples with this contentious issue, the implications for reproductive rights and family structures continue to spark fierce debate.

Stay tuned to EyeOnLondon for the latest news and expert opinions.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!