Italy Faces Backlash Over Surrogacy Ban Abroad

Italy has passed legislation that criminalizes its citizens seeking surrogacy abroad, a measure heavily criticized for disproportionately affecting LGBTQ+ couples. The law, extending a ban from 2004, imposes penalties of up to two years in jail and fines of up to €1 million for those who engage in surrogacy outside Italy. Critics argue this law is part of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's conservative agenda to promote traditional family values and undermine LGBTQ+ rights, as same-sex couples are already barred from adopting or using IVF in Italy. Proponents, including the Catholic Church, argue the law protects women's dignity and opposes the commercialization of pregnancy. The legislation has sparked protests and backlash, with opponents labeling it discriminatory and warning it infringes on personal freedoms. Analysts question the law's enforceability and predict legal challenges, given Italy's already declining birth rates and the complex socio-political implications.