Italy bans couples to seek surrogacy abroad, Meloni faces backlash
PTC News Desk: In a major blow to couples in Italy, Meloni government has passed a law making it illegal for coupes to go abroad to have a baby through surrogacy. Italians seeking surrogacy in countries such as the United States or Canada, where the practice is legal, can face up to two years in jail and up to 1 million euros ($1.1 million) in fines.
The measure to extend a surrogacy ban that has been in effect since 2004 was backed by Premier Giorgia Meloni’s far-right Brothers of Italy party and its conservative coalition partner, the League, who argued that it safeguards women's dignity.
After a seven-hour debate, the Senate approved the bill with a vote of 84-58, completing the legislative process following last year's approval by the Lower House.
The surrogacy ban affects all couples equally. However, advocates for same-sex parents argue that it disproportionately impacts gay families, especially in a country facing record-low birthrates and where only heterosexual couples are permitted to adopt.
Several lawmakers and LGBTQ activists gathered outside the Senate to protest the law, with some displaying banners that read, “Parents, not criminals.”
“Protectionism doesn’t eliminate a social issue; it just pushes it into the shadows, out of reach of the law,” said opposition lawmaker Riccardo Magi during the demonstration. “This makes it easier for exploitation, abuse, and violations of rights to occur.”
The Catholic Church has been a strong opponent of surrogacy in Italy and internationally, with Pope Francis advocating for a global ban and condemning what he refers to as the “commercialization” of pregnancy.
- With inputs from agencies
