The Italian parents of a child born in the US through surrogacy are hesitant to return to Italy after the local government instituted one of the world’s strictest laws against “procreative tourism.” This change could potentially lead to prison sentences of up to two years and fines of €600,000 to €1 million for the couple, putting them in the same criminal category as terrorists, pedophiles, and war criminals. These changes by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, have left the gay couple in fear of prosecution under the law that criminalizes surrogacy for Italian citizens, both at home and abroad. The couple, who work for an international company, are contemplating staying in the US due to concerns about the legal climate for same-sex families, especially under former President Donald Trump’s administration which may end birthright citizenship. The law is aimed not only at deterring Italians from seeking surrogacy overseas but also as part of a broader conservative push by Meloni’s government to promote traditional family values.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/17/surrogate-parents-too-afraid-to-return-to-italy-after-procreative-tourism-law