Italy has introduced a law criminalizing surrogacy, even in countries where it is legal.
Signed by President Sergio Mattarella, the law imposes penalties of up to two years in prison and fines up to €1 million for Italians engaging in surrogacy abroad. The law, supported by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, comes into effect on Monday and treats surrogacy as a “universal crime,” applying to Italians regardless of local laws.
The new law has sparked controversy, with critics, including Riccardo Magi of +Europa, arguing it is unconstitutional and impractical. The law has support from those who view surrogacy as “inhumane” and exploitative.
In Europe, surrogacy is permitted in countries like Denmark, Belgium, and the UK, while it is banned in others, including France and Germany. The Luca Coscioni Association plans to challenge the law in court, arguing it unjustly affects at least 50 couples seeking surrogacy.
