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Italy Passes Law Criminalizing International Surrogacy, Blocking Gay Couples from Parenthood

Oct 16, 2024, 07:01 PM

Italy's parliament passed a bill on Wednesday that criminalizes seeking surrogacy abroad, extending its existing domestic ban to Italian citizens who pursue the practice in countries where it is legal. The new legislation imposes prison sentences of up to two years and substantial fines on individuals who engage in surrogacy overseas, even if it was carried out legally abroad. The conservative government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, asserts that the law safeguards women's dignity. However, critics warn that it effectively prevents gay and infertile couples from having children and could harm children's rights. The law is unprecedented in the Western world and is so far-reaching that its ability to withstand legal challenges is uncertain.