Italy has taken a major step in cracking down on the use of surrogacy by LGBT couples, passing a law that bans Italians from engaging in overseas surrogacy. The new measure, introduced under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, applies to all citizens but is seen as primarily targeting gay and transgender couples, many of whom have turned to foreign surrogates to start families.
Meloni’s government argues that surrogacy undermines cultural respect for motherhood and puts children at risk of being used for social media publicity. Violators of the ban face fines of up to $1 million and possible prison sentences.
Critics of the law claim it is a direct attack on the LGBT community, accusing Meloni’s administration of trying to restrict their rights to form families. However, the government insists that the law is about protecting children and preserving traditional family values, which they argue are critical to a stable society.
The practice of surrogacy for same-sex couples has raised ethical questions in recent years, particularly about the impact on children. Some studies suggest that children raised in traditional households with both a mother and father fare better in terms of mental and emotional well-being. Meloni’s government has leaned on this research to justify the new restrictions.
Despite accusations that the law is discriminatory, supporters argue that Italy must prioritize the well-being of children over the desires of adults seeking to build families through surrogacy. The ban also pushes back against arguments that surrogacy is needed to combat Italy’s declining birthrate, with the government stating that stable homes, not just more babies, are key to reversing population decline.