Surrogacy is already a universal crime in Italy. The Meloni government passed a law in October, which is now official and comes into force in the country when signed by the head of state, Sergio Matarella.
In Italy, surrogacy has been banned since 2004. The novelty is that it will also affect those who carry out this practice outside the country, who will be judged according to Italian law.
In fact, the penalties they will face are imprisonment from three months to two years, with fines ranging from 600,000 to one million dollars.
This legislation will not impact babies who are already registered, so the focus is on those who are in the middle of the process.
The Vatican has also made clear its position on this type of assisted reproduction. The Pope said so a year ago.
POPE FRANCIS
I consider deplorable the practice of the so-called surrogate wombs, which seriously violates the dignity of the woman and her child. It is based on the exploitation of the mother's situation of material need. A child is always a gift and never the object of a contract.
Pope Francis' words were also reflected in the declaration of the Doctrine of the Faith, Dignitas Infinita. A text that reiterates that this practice violates the dignity of women.
CARD. VÍCTOR MANUEL FERNÁNDEZ
Prefect, Dicastery Doctrine of the Faith
This does not mean not understanding the sensitivity of the person who desires a child who is truly his own, but there is an invitation to transcend that desire, because we are talking about the dignity of the person, which is something much greater than the desire one may have.
Worldwide, surrogacy is legal in countries such as the United States, although each state has the ultimate decision. In Michigan or Nebraska it is prohibited, while in Virginia it has restrictions and in California it is allowed.
In European countries, practically the same thing happens. It is illegal in almost all of the European Union, although in places like Greece or Portugal it can be done, albeit with requirements. For example, a certificate of infertility must be presented.
TR: JD
