Italy Criminalizes Surrogacy Abroad for Citizens

New legislation imposes penalties on Italians seeking surrogacy services in countries where it is legal.

The Italian Senate has passed a law making it illegal for citizens to use surrogacy services abroad, with penalties including imprisonment and fines.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing coalition supports the law as a measure to protect traditional family values.
Critics argue the law disproportionately affects infertile and homosexual couples who rely on surrogacy to have children.
The legislation extends a 2004 law that already banned surrogacy within Italy, aligning with similar bans in several European countries.
Human rights groups have criticized the law, labeling it as regressive and a step back for reproductive rights.