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Italy has passed a controversial law making it illegal for couples to seek surrogacy abroad, extending the existing ban on the practice within the country. Couples who travel to countries where surrogacy is legal, such as the US or Canada, could now face up to two years in prison and fines of up to €1 million (£835,710). The new legislation, proposed by Italy's far-right governing party, has ignited criticism from many who see it as a direct attack on LGBT couples, who are already barred from adopting or using IVF in the country.

 

Surrogacy involves a woman carrying a pregnancy for another couple or individual, often because of fertility issues or when a same-sex male couple wishes to have a child. The Italian law, which passed by a vote of 84 to 58 in the senate, has stirred protest, with opponents arguing that it will make parenthood even more difficult in a nation already grappling with a declining birth rate.

 

"If someone has a baby they should be given a medal,” said LGBT activist Franco Grillini during a demonstration ahead of the vote. He went on to say, “Here instead you are sent to jail... if you don't have children in the traditional way. This is a monstrous law. No country in the world has such a thing."

 

The ban aligns with the socially conservative agenda of Italy’s first female prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, leader of the Brothers of Italy party. Meloni, who has described herself as a Christian mother, has been vocal in her belief that children should be raised by a man and a woman. During her 2022 election campaign, she notably declared, “yes to the natural family, no to the LGBT lobby.” Her government has since taken steps to undermine the rights of same-sex couples, including instructing Milan’s city council in 2023 to stop registering the children of same-sex parents.

 

Meloni has been an outspoken critic of surrogacy, particularly when it involves LGBT couples, describing it as "a symbol of an abominable society that confuses desire with rights and replaces God with money." Her deputy, Matteo Salvini, has similarly condemned surrogacy, calling it an "aberration" that treats women like an "ATM."

 

Despite the intense criticism, supporters of the law argue that it is intended to protect women’s rights and dignity. Carolina Varchi, the member of parliament who drafted the legislation, denied that the ban was specifically designed to target LGBT people, stating that "most people who use surrogacy are heterosexual." Experts confirm that about 90% of the couples who use surrogacy in Italy are straight, many of whom hide the fact that they have traveled abroad to have a baby. However, same-sex couples returning to Italy with a child do not have the same option of discretion, leaving them particularly vulnerable under the new law.

 

Around the world, surrogacy laws vary widely. Countries like Italy, Spain, France, and Germany completely ban all forms of surrogacy. In contrast, nations such as the US and Canada allow surrogacy for same-sex couples and recognize them as the legal parents from birth. While some European countries, like Greece, accept foreign couples and offer legal protections for intended parents, they exclude same-sex couples from those protections. In the UK, paying for surrogacy beyond reasonable expenses is illegal, and the surrogate remains on the birth certificate until a parental order transfers legal parenthood.

 

As Italy's ban on international surrogacy takes effect, many LGBT couples are left wondering what the future holds for their family planning. For them, this law represents another obstacle in the pursuit of equal rights and recognition in a deeply divided society.

 

Based on a report from the BBC 2024-10-18

 

 

 

[john donson]

middle ages are back

 

if the IVF is out of pocket and not on the tax payer, people should be free

 

I think leso couples in my home country get 5 free IVF on the tax payer...disgusting...did they not chose the "no meat, no kids package deal" ?

[Captain Flack]

A troll comment with a discriminatory slur, breaking forum rules has been removed.

[JonnyF]

IMO it should be allowed for male/female relationships where there are proven fertility issues that prevent natural pregnancy.

 

 

[Yellowtail]

I think it great that rich people can hire young women to carry their babies for them. 

 

They could get a fishbowl thing going where you don't even have to bother with a name, just pick a number. 

 

 

[JonnyF]

16 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

I think it great that rich people can hire young women to carry their babies for them. 

 

They could get a fishbowl thing going where you don't even have to bother with a name, just pick a number. 

 

 

 

Could be a gap in the market for moonbumps.

 

Especially ones that don't slip down below the knees.

 

[Chomper Higgot]

19 hours ago, JonnyF said:

IMO it should be allowed for male/female relationships where there are proven fertility issues that prevent natural pregnancy.

 

 

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