Italy passes law clamping down on surrogacy tourism
Italians who go abroad to have a baby via surrogacy will face jail terms and fines of up to €1m
Italy has outlawed surrogacy, including for couples going abroad to have children via this method, imposing jail terms up to two years and fines of €1 million. The law, a pet project of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's far-right Brothers of Italy party, passed the senate with 84 votes in favor and 58 against.
This legislation extends a 2004 ban on surrogacy within Italy to those seeking the procedure in countries like the US and Canada, where it's legal. Proponents of the law, like senator Lavinia Mennuni, argue that motherhood is "absolutely unique" and cannot be "surrogated", considering it the foundation of civilization. They aim to "uproot the phenomenon of surrogacy tourism."
Meloni herself has called surrogacy an "inhuman" practice, comparing children to supermarket products, echoing the Catholic Church's stance. Critics argue that the law is specifically targeting LGBTQ couples, who often rely on surrogacy to become parents.
Demonstrators rallied against the bill, criticizing the government's attack on LGBTQ rights and highlighting Italy's declining birthrate. They argue that instead of punishing those seeking to have children, the government should be offering support.
Franco Grillini, a long-time LGBTQ rights activist, stated that "If someone has a baby, they should be given a medal. Here instead you are sent to jail … if you don’t have children in the traditional way."
Alessia Crocini, president of Rainbow Families, highlights that while 90% of Italians choosing surrogacy are heterosexual couples, they usually do so discreetly, meaning the ban will disproportionately affect gay couples who cannot hide their use of surrogacy.
The new legislation has drawn international criticism. Grillini stated that "This is a monstrous law. No country in the world has such a thing."
This legislation extends a 2004 ban on surrogacy within Italy to those seeking the procedure in countries like the US and Canada, where it's legal. Proponents of the law, like senator Lavinia Mennuni, argue that motherhood is "absolutely unique" and cannot be "surrogated", considering it the foundation of civilization. They aim to "uproot the phenomenon of surrogacy tourism."
Meloni herself has called surrogacy an "inhuman" practice, comparing children to supermarket products, echoing the Catholic Church's stance. Critics argue that the law is specifically targeting LGBTQ couples, who often rely on surrogacy to become parents.
Demonstrators rallied against the bill, criticizing the government's attack on LGBTQ rights and highlighting Italy's declining birthrate. They argue that instead of punishing those seeking to have children, the government should be offering support.
Franco Grillini, a long-time LGBTQ rights activist, stated that "If someone has a baby, they should be given a medal. Here instead you are sent to jail … if you don’t have children in the traditional way."
Alessia Crocini, president of Rainbow Families, highlights that while 90% of Italians choosing surrogacy are heterosexual couples, they usually do so discreetly, meaning the ban will disproportionately affect gay couples who cannot hide their use of surrogacy.
The new legislation has drawn international criticism. Grillini stated that "This is a monstrous law. No country in the world has such a thing."