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CBSAPR 20 2022
Italy Outlaws Overseas Surrogacy
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).
In the lead-up to the vote, opponents rallied outside the Senate on Tuesday, arguing that the legislation will mostly affect LGBTQ+ couples. While Italy has recognized same-sex civil unions since 2016, it prohibits same-sex marriages.
The Spin
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.
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