Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Italy faces backlash over extension of surrogacy ban abroad

POSTED ON October 17, 2024 •   Breaking News      BY Benedicta Bassey
Economy minister, Giancarlo Giorgetti / Photo credit: AP

Italy has reportedly faced severe criticisms over the extension of its surrogacy ban internationally.

The country has also reportedly criminalised citizens who travelled abroad for surrogacy, a move condemned by critics as “medieval” and discriminatory toward same-sex couples.

This new measure extends the existing surrogacy ban enacted in 2004 and was pushed by Premier Giorgia Meloni’s far-right Brothers of Italy party and their conservative coalition partner, according to the League which claims it safeguards women’s dignity.

After a seven-hour debate, the Senate passed the bill 84-58, following the Lower House’s approval last year.

Italians pursuing surrogacy in countries like the United States or Canada, where it is legal, could face up to two years in prison and fines reaching 1 million euros ($1.1 million).

While the surrogacy ban applies to all couples, advocates for same-sex parenting debated that it disproportionately affected gay families in a nation facing record-low birthrates, where only heterosexual couples were permitted to adopt.

Same-sex marriages are also illegal in Italy, and LGBTQ+ couples continue to fight for parental rights for non-biological parents.

Opponents of the law, including several lawmakers and LGBTQ+ activists, protested outside the Senate, holding placards with inscriptions: “Parents, not criminals.”

Opposition lawmaker, Ricardo Magi, during the protest said, “When protectionism prevails, a social phenomenon is not erased.

“It is simply relegated to a dark area, which the law doesn’t reach. In that case, it’s easier for exploitation, abuse, and rights violations to prevail,” he stated.

Cristiano Giraldi, the father of two 10-year-old children born via surrogacy in the U.S., expressed disappointment, saying, “We are very saddened because Italy has once again missed an opportunity to demonstrate that it is a country in line with what Europe and the world are.”

The Catholic Church has vehemently opposed surrogacy in Italy and abroad, with Pope Francis advocating for a universal ban and condemning the “commercialisation” of pregnancy.

However, the Vatican’s Doctrines Office has clarified that same-sex parents who use surrogacy can have their children baptised.

While commercial surrogacy contracts, including protections for mothers and legal representation, are common in the U.S., countries like Europe, including Spain and Italy have it banned.

READ ALSO
Tinubu to Launch Multiple Development Projects Today in Kaduna
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 19, 2025 0

KADUNA, Nigeria - President Bola Tinubu is anticipated to arrive in Kaduna State today for the inaug...

READ ALSO
ECOWAS Calls for Unified Action Against Plastic Pollution at World Environment Day
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 18, 2025 0

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is calling for a unified regional effort from...

READ ALSO
Trump Proposes Visa Ban on Nigeria Amid Corruption Concerns
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 15, 2025 0

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has initiated plans to impose a general visa ban o...

READ ALSO
Nigeria's Crude Oil Prices Surge to $80 Amid Rising Tensions Between Israel and Iran
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 14, 2025 0

Amid the increasing tensions between Israel and Iran, Nigeria's crude oil prices surged to nearly $8...

READ ALSO
National Assembly Urged to Enact Laws Protecting Human Rights as Civic Space Diminishes
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 14, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - Amnesty International Nigeria has urged the National Assembly to urgently enact law...

READ ALSO
LASEMA Reaffirms Commitment to Flood Management as 2025 Campaign Kicks Off
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 14, 2025 0

LAGOS, Nigeria - The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has reaffirmed its readiness t...

READ ALSO
FG to Reclaim Dormant Oil Wells as NUPRC Implements 'Drill or Drop' Policy
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 13, 2025 0

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has informed oil producers of its inte...

READ ALSO
House Narrowly Approves Trump-Backed Cuts to NPR, PBS and Foreign Aid
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 13, 2025 0

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House voted narrowly Thursday to slash $9.4 billion in previously approv...

OUR CHANNELS:

Tanzania,  Nigeria Lead Africa in Rising Fraud Rates- Report
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 21, 2025 0

Tanzania and Nigeria have emerged as the leading countries in Africa for higher fraud rates, accordi...


Osun Raises Alarm Over Alleged Fund Diversion by CBN and AGF
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 21, 2025 0

OSUN, Nigeria - The Osun State Government has expressed concern about a purported attempt by the Cen...


Nigeria Police Link Schoolgirl Cannabis Clip to Zimbabwe
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 21, 2025 0

The Nigeria Police Force has addressed a widely circulated video on WhatsApp and social media, which...


Tinubu to Launch Multiple Development Projects Today in Kaduna
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 21, 2025 0

KADUNA, Nigeria - President Bola Tinubu is anticipated to arrive in Kaduna State today for the inaug...


Tinubu Assembles High-Level Committee After Benue Tragedy
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 21, 2025 0

President Bola Tinubu announced the formation of a committee on Wednesday aimed at restoring sustain...


Finidi George Leads Rivers United into 2025/26 Season Training Camp
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 21, 2025 0

Rivers United's coach, Finidi George, has motivated his players as the Port Harcourt-based team kick...


Moses Simon Completes Move to Paris FC for €7 Million
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 19, 2025 0

As reported by French news source Foot Mercato, Paris FC, a newly-promoted team in French Ligue 1, h...


Osimhen's Impressive Loan Spell Fuels Transfer Speculation
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 21, 2025 0

Nigerian international Victor Osimhen remains at the center of significant transfer rumors, with Ita...


NDLEA Calls for Collective Action Against Drug Abuse in Nigeria
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 20, 2025 0

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has urged Nigerians and state governments to take r...


Tor Tiv Urges President Tinubu to Foster Lasting Peace in Benue State
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 19, 2025 0

The Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, expressed that President Bola Tinubu has the ability to bring lasti...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu