Italy’s parliament has passed a law banning couples from using surrogacy abroad, even in countries where it is allowed, such as the US and Canada. About this informs Reuters.
The initiative, proposed by Prime Minister Georgia Maloney’s party, has drawn criticism from activists who see it as an attempt to make life harder for same-sex couples.
The law, which has been in place in Italy since 2004, now applies to foreign operations, carrying up to two years in prison and fines of up to €1 million. Senator Lavinia Mennuni said motherhood is the “foundation of civilization” and cannot be replaced.
Georgia Maloney previously called surrogacy an “inhumane” practice, comparing it to child trafficking. In response to the law’s passage, LGBTQ+ activists rallied outside the Senate, saying the law discriminates against same-sex couples and makes life difficult for those seeking to become parents, especially amid Italy’s low birth rate.
LGBTQ+ community leaders stressed that 90% of Italians who use surrogacy services are heterosexual couples who can do so secretly, while the law will hit same-sex couples the hardest.
