Italian plans to ban surrogacy 'disturbing', says Irish expert

 LGBT Ireland policy and research manager Padraig Rice said: “This move by Italy only reinforces the need for regulation in Ireland”. Picture: Jim Coughlan

Italy’s right-wing government is planning to introduce legislation which will jail anyone hoping to have a baby via surrogacy outside the country — a move described as 'disturbing' by an Irish expert. It has also prompted calls for Ireland to speed up the regulation of domestic and overseas surrogacy.

New laws have been proposed by the Brothers of Italy party led by Giorga Meloni, which could see potential fines of up to €1m or two years in jail if intending parents have a surrogate baby abroad.