Italy’s Surrogacy Ban Abroad, Sparks Criticism From LGBT Community

Italian surrogacy ban extension sparks among outrage LGBT community and human rights groups.

(The Post News)- The Italian extension of its ban on surrogacy which includes citizens seeking the practice abroad, has sparked outrage and criticism from the LGBT activists. The law which has passed with 84 votes to 58, imposes up to two years imprisonment and €1 million in fines on those who attempt to break the law.

Critics made argues that this move is a target attack on LGBT couples, and it criminalises parents not to have children traditionally, and with LGBT couples who are already prohibited from adopting or using IVF in Italy it harms them most.

The Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni’s socially conservative agenda is the one driving this legislation, with her brothers of Italy party and the coalition partner, the league, promoting the law as protecting women’s dignity.

However, experts have revealed that 90% of Italian couples who use surrogacy are straight, while same-sex families still face unique challenges. The ban contrasts with countries like, Canada, the US, and Greece where surrogacy is legal for the same sex.

This Italian law, some warn that pushing surrogacy underground, increases the risks of exploitation, abuse and it violates the rights in the surrogacy process. The Human rights organisation, including Amnesty International and ILGA-Europe, condemns the law, arguing that it relegates social phenomena to the dark where exploitation thrives.

LGBT advocates and the lawmakers protested while holding the banners reading “Parents, not criminal”, and the opposition lawmakers also expressed concerns that the law will harm gay families and will exacerbate Italy’s record -low birth rates.

The Italian birth rate was among the lowest in the EU, with 1.33 children per woman in 2022. The law’s impact on single parents and individuals with fertility problems remains unclear. Criticism made argues that this law is not protecting the women, but its controlling families and restricting reproductive rights.

Meloni’s government has taken some steps to limit LGBT rights, this includes instructing Milan’s city council to stop registering same-sex parents’ children. Meloni views surrogacy as a symbol of an abominable society confounding desires withs rights and replaces God with money and as for her Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, he calls the practice an “aberration” that treats women like an “ATM”.

Surrogacy laws differ across Europe. Italy, France, Spain and Germany ban all forms and the UK allows surrogacy, but it prohibits commercial arrangements, while Greece accepts foreign couples, providing legal protection. Canada and the USA allow surrogacy for the same-sex couple.

The government law has sparked intense debate, with many questioning the motive behind the law. The Italian surrogacy ban has been in place since 2004 and its extension has received widespread criticism.

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Tsakisi Muhlari

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