In a ground-breaking move that has sent ripples of shock and awe across the globe, Italy has ruled out surrogacy overseas for its citizens. This significant step was taken after prolonged intense debate, displaying a unique perspective of the country’s leadership on human reproduction.
Surrogacy is a method of reproduction where a woman agrees to become pregnant and deliver a child for another person who is or will become the parent of the child. While some countries have wholly embraced surrogacy, making it accessible for any individual or couple who wishes to have a child through this method, Italy has traditionally been conservative with regards to reproduction methods. This recent legislation, prohibiting Italian couples from seeking surrogacy services abroad, is a dramatic shift that deserves further elaboration.
Given Italy’s stringent laws on medically assisted reproduction techniques in general, it comes as no surprise that its stance on surrogacy is drawn strictly. Italian laws on assisted reproduction are largely influenced by the high value placed on the natural process of procreation and a deep respect for the dignity and rights of every human being. Therefore, surrogacy – both domestic and international – is seen as violating these deeply ingrained values.
The driving principles behind this significant decision have roots in the country’s concern about the possible exploitation of women, particularly in countries with less stringent controls on surrogacy. That is, countries where the practice of surrogacy may involve poor, vulnerable women being exploited for their reproductive services under the guise of surrogacy.
Italy also takes issue with the commodification of the human body and the idea of “baby-selling,” which is an implicit aspect of commercial surrogacy. Typically, commercial surrogacy involves the payment of a fee to the surrogate mother, above her pregnancy-related expenses. This is seen as a transaction involving the sale of a human being – something that is explicitly against Italian morality and principles around the sanctity of life and the dignity of the human person.
Furthermore, Italy has concerns about the rights and well-being of children born through surrogacy. The country has expressed worries over the psycho-social implications of such children knowing that they were produced through a financial agreement, and the confusion that may come with having multiple mothers.
Most importantly, Italy enforces the principle of unity between mother and child. The law asserts that motherhood must not be fragmented or subject to contractual agreements, thus placing Italy in stark contrast with countries like the United States, Ukraine, and India, where commercial surrogacy is allowed.
This legislation suggests a fundamental viewpoint within Italian society; keeping competition out of procreation. By making it illegal for Italian couples to procure the services of a surrogate mother overseas, Italy has sent a clear message that the conception and birth of a child should not be a commercial transaction subject to the laws of supply and demand.
Despite attracting its fair share of critics who argue that this deprives couples of their reproductive rights, this ruling by Italy does indeed set a new precedent. Consequently, it presents a unique perspective on surrogacy, casting a spotlight on the broader debate surrounding the ethics and legality of this practice globally.
