Italy Expands Surrogacy Ban, Sparking Outrage Among Affected Families

 

The recent approval of a stringent law by Italy’s parliament to prohibit international surrogacy has drawn widespread condemnation from families and advocates, marking a significant step in what critics describe as an attack on reproductive rights. The legislation, championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government, criminalizes surrogacy sought abroad, imposing potential jail terms of up to two years and hefty fines ranging from €600,000 to €1 million for couples who pursue this option.

Maria Sole Giardini, who has been vocal in her campaign for the legalization of surrogacy, recalled her meeting with Meloni in 2021, where she pleaded for understanding regarding her condition that prevents her from carrying a pregnancy. At that time, Meloni appeared open to considering surrogacy in certain circumstances. However, last week’s legislative decision marks a dramatic shift, categorizing international surrogacy as a universal crime.

Giardini described the law as "inhumane and wicked," arguing that it was passed without any consultation with those it directly impacts. This move aligns with Meloni’s broader agenda to reinforce traditional family structures, yet critics argue it lacks clarity and fails to consider the realities faced by families.

Though the law ostensibly targets all forms of surrogacy, its impact is expected to fall disproportionately on heterosexual couples, who make up the majority of those seeking surrogacy. Filomena Gallo, a family lawyer advocating for the decriminalization of altruistic surrogacy, emphasized that most individuals pursuing surrogacy abroad do so for health-related reasons.

Giardini herself faced challenges in Italy when trying to secure permission for altruistic surrogacy, leading her to find a surrogate outside the country. Now, she fears the implications of raising her child in a society that labels her as a product of a crime.

The law’s implementation raises questions about its enforceability and how couples will be identified. Critics, including Riccardo Magi from the left-wing party Più Europa, have characterized the legislation as propaganda, warning it may lead to a climate of fear and distrust.

Furthermore, the suggestion by Family Minister Eugenia Roccella that medical professionals should report suspected surrogacy violations has prompted backlash, with health leaders asserting their role is to care for patients, not to act as informants.

As this legislation gears up for enactment in November, families affected by the new law are left grappling with uncertainty and anxiety, questioning the government’s priorities amidst pressing societal issues such as healthcare and employment.