Italy's Senate passed a bill on Wednesday that would criminalize surrogacy by Italian citizens in other countries. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni advocated the policy, which appears to be aimed at same-sex couples.
Mr. Meloni's Conservative Party, the Brotherhood of Italy, proposed the bill, expanding on a two-decade-old ban on surrogacy within the country's borders.
The vote was 84-58. The bill passed the House last year, The Washington Post reported.
The crime could carry a fine of €1 million and up to two years' imprisonment.
“I continue to believe that surrogacy is an inhuman act,” Meloni said in April, citing the Catholic Church's rhetoric in “For a Young Europe: Demographic Transition, Environment and Future.” He spoke at a conference titled. “I support legislation that would make this a universal crime.”
Meloni and other right-wing Italian officials have supported the ban despite Italy's low birth rate. Over the past decade, Italy's birth rate has steadily declined. It is estimated that 6.4 children will be born per 1,000 inhabitants in 2023, which is three fewer infants than in 2002. statistics.
“People are not objects. Children cannot be bought, and human body parts cannot be sold or rented. This simple truth has already been recognized in our laws by criminalizing the unusual act of surrogacy. It is part of the system and can no longer be avoided,” said Eugenia Rossella, member of Meloni's cabinet.saidjournalists.
Earlier this year, the Chancellor said he would address the issue by offering an infant bonus and tax breaks for people with children.
Other MPs, such as Riccardo Maggi, have been highly critical of Meloni's policies. He threatened to challenge the new surrogacy law in the Constitutional Court.
“The right-wing has made it illegal for Italian citizens to use surrogacy, even in a country that is completely legal, regulated and safe,” he said on social media.
“A woman's body, her womb, her freedom belongs to her. It does not belong to Giorgia Meloni. It does not belong to this government. It does not belong to any government,” Maggi later added.
