Italy Passes Strict Law Banning Couples From Going Abroad For Surrogacy
ForbesOct 20
Italy Outlaws Overseas Surrogacy
Above: Italian LGBTQ+ groups and political parties opposing the Varchi bill hold a demonstration in Piazza Vidoni outside the Senate on October 15, 2024, in Rome. Image copyright: Simona Granati/Contributor/Corbis News via Getty Images
The Facts
In an 84-58 vote on Wednesday, the Italian parliament passed a bill banning residents from conceiving a child via surrogacy in foreign countries.
A national ban on surrogacy has been in place for two decades, with the latest extension carrying penalties of up to two years in prison and a fine of up to €1M ($1.1M).
The Spin
Conservative narrative
Surrogacy has no place in Italy. Besides the very real risks that this practice poses to women and children's health, it also raises serious ethical concerns: It commodifies human life, completely disregards children's well-being, and often exploits women in vulnerable situations. This legislation shows that the Italian government is in line with the Catholic Church.
Progressive narrative
Despite surrogacy already being outlawed in Italy, Meloni's government has sought to impose yet another crackdown on LGBTQ+ families, and this bill makes it nearly impossible for gay men to have children. Italy already ranks low in Europe in terms of civil freedoms. Making it unlawful for Italians to start a family through surrogacy overseas will not help Italy's standing.