After the introduction of a law that made surrogacy abroad a crime, Family Minister Eugenia Roccella clarified her thoughts on the issue of reporting doctors. She responded to a question from Deputy Riccardo Magi during question time regarding statements about alleged obligations for doctors under the recent legislation on the prosecution of surrogacy crimes committed abroad. Roccella stated that she has never encouraged anyone to report doctors or others. She believes that if someone disagrees with a law, they should either work to change it or engage in civil disobedience, accepting the consequences instead of trying to evade or circumvent it. She emphasized that public officials, including doctors, are required to report any violations of laws, as stated in the penal code.
Roccella explained that when doctors fulfill their responsibility to report suspected cases of violence, abuse of minors, workplace accidents, vaccination requirements, organ trafficking, or any other illegal activities, it should not be seen as “denunciation” but rather as a necessary duty. She highlighted that some individuals do not perceive surrogacy as a crime or a moral issue, despite the law stating otherwise. She also mentioned that the law has been praised by international feminist networks that view surrogacy as abhorrent and consider the Italian legislation a sign of great civilization, aligning with the perspectives of the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court.
The minister expressed concern over the significant financial transactions involved in the surrogacy market, the inhumane contracts for surrogate mothers, and the racial discrimination evident in catalogues where skin color can be chosen, with eggs from women of color being priced lower than those from white women. She quoted the Constitutional Court’s opinion that surrogacy deeply undermines human relationships and the Court of Cassation’s view that it reduces a woman’s body to a mechanical incubator, promoting an unacceptable commodification of the body. Surrogacy was described as a practice that intolerably offends the dignity of women, regardless of their circumstances or autonomous decision-making process.
Roccella’s remarks illustrate the complexity of the surrogacy debate, with various legal, ethical, and social considerations at play. The issue of surrogacy has sparked international discussions, with different perspectives on the practice and its implications for women’s rights and human dignity. The minister’s stance reflects the Italian government’s commitment to upholding the values of dignity, equality, and respect for all individuals, particularly in sensitive matters such as reproductive rights and the exploitation of women’s bodies. The legislation on surrogacy in Italy reflects a broader societal consensus on the need to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation and uphold the fundamental principles of human rights and dignity.
In conclusion, the controversy over surrogacy continues to be a divisive issue, with ongoing debates about the morality, legality, and social implications of the practice. The Italian government’s decision to criminalize surrogacy abroad reflects a particular stance on the matter, emphasizing the need to safeguard women’s rights, protect the dignity of individuals, and prevent the commodification of the human body. As discussions on surrogacy evolve and new perspectives emerge, it is essential to consider the broader ethical and legal frameworks that inform such debates, ensuring that the rights and well-being of all individuals involved are respected and upheld.
