Italy has passed a new law criminalizing its citizens who travel abroad to have children through surrogacy. The measure, which extends a ban on surrogacy that has been in place since 2004, was supported by the far-right Brothers of Italy party and the conservative League party. The Senate approved the bill with an 84-58 vote after a lengthy seven-hour debate, following the Lower House's approval last year.
Individuals from Italy who seek surrogacy in countries where it is legal, such as the United States or Canada, could now face up to two years in jail and fines of up to 1 million euros ($1.1 million). The ban on surrogacy applies to all couples, including same-sex couples, which has sparked criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates who argue that it disproportionately affects gay families in a country where same-sex marriages are also prohibited.
