Italy votes on loosening fertility legislation

ITALIANS started voting yesterday on whether to loosen assisted fertility legislation, after weeks of intense campaigning that has pitted the Vatican against those who say the law hurts scientific research and infringes on reproductive freedom.

Turnout is crucial for supporters of the changes. Unless over 50% of eligible voters cast ballots, the results don’t count. The referenda would throw out several provisions of the tough law, including one which prohibits egg or sperm donation from outside the couple and another which bans scientific research using embryos.

Polls opened at 8am local time and remained open until 10pm. Balloting resumes today from 7am to 3pm, with results expected later in the day.