Italian President Sergio Mattarella has signed a law criminalizing surrogacy even in countries where it is legal. Violators face up to 2 years in prison and a fine of up to 1 million euros. This was reported by Euractiv, UNN.
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An Italian law declaring surrogacy a “universal crime” both in Italy, where it is already illegal, and for Italians who engage in the practice where it is legal abroad, will come into force on Monday when it is published in the Gazzetta Ufficiale.
The new law, supported by Prime Minister Georgia Maloney, provides for penalties ranging from three months to two years in prison and fines of 600,000 to 1 million euros.
Maloney has previously condemned surrogacy as “an inhumane practice that fuels a transnational market disguised as an act of love.” This view was echoed by supporters of the law, including Maurizio Gasparri, president of the Forza Italia senators, who said: “The President of the Republic has signed, as expected, the law against the shame of surrogacy.
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However, critics argue that the law is unconstitutional and impractical. It is “yet another unconstitutional law from this government, doomed to be struck down by the courts,” said Riccardo Maggi, leader of +Europe, adding that Italy “will be the only country in the world criminalizing a practice that is legal in other countries.”
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In Europe, some countries, such as Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, Greece, and the United Kingdom, allow surrogacy, often on a non-profit or altruistic basis. In other countries, including France, Spain, Germany, and Norway, the practice is completely banned.
The Luca Coscioni Association has announced plans to challenge the Italian law in court, claiming that it will affect at least 50 couples ready to start a surrogacy procedure.
In a statement provided to Euractiv, the association called surrogacy a “scientific opportunity” and condemned the legislation as unfair and irrational.