Italians Vote on Fertility Measures

[BC-SgtMom]

My dh sent this to me this morning when he saw it online. I thought I would post it and open it up for debate:

Italians Vote on Fertility Measures
By FRANCES D'EMILIO, Associated Press Writer
2 hours, 1 minute ago


ROME - Italians voted Sunday in national referendums 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 more than 50 percent of eligible voters cast ballots, the results don't count. The referendums 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 8 a.m. local time and were to remain open until 10 p.m. Balloting resumes Monday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with results expected later in the day.

The Interior Ministry estimated that by noon, or four hours after voting began, 4.5 percent of eligible voters had cast ballots. That figure was based on feedback from more than 100 of 110 provinces, it said.

Among the early voters was President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, who, as head of state, is a widely respected figure in Italy. Fellow voters at the public school in Rome where he and his wife, Franca, came to vote cheered when they arrived.

The vote poses a test of the church's influence in this overwhelmingly Catholic nation.

Roman Catholic teaching is opposed to assisted procreation and scientific research on human embryonic stem cells, and the Vatican wants to maintain the restrictions of the current law. Italian bishops have repeatedly urged a voter boycott, with Pope Benedict XVI's endorsement.

Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the pope's vicar for Rome and president of the Italian bishops' conference, reiterated his appeal this week, saying that the Vatican is looking to "enlighten consciences" and defend life.

Opponents of the legislation say the law is too restrictive and prevents research to treat diseases. They have enlisted women celebrities and created committees to urge people to repeal parts of the legislation.

"This law is against women, but also against research and ultimately against people's good health," architect Matilde Cante said Saturday in downtown Rome, adding she would go to the polls and vote in favor of loosening the legislation.

The current law, which went into effect last year, limits the number of embryos that can be created to three, forbids sperm or egg donation from outside the couple and prohibits scientific research using embryos.

The referendums ask voters to end all those limitations, as well as permit fertile couples with hereditary diseases to screen their embryos.

Many also contend that the Vatican's campaign amounts to interference in the country's domestic affairs. In a series of interviews over the past weeks, prominent cardinals have defended Ruini's appeal and rejected the accusations.

The political world is split over the referendums, with parties generally telling their voters to decide according to their conscience. Conservative Premier Silvio Berlusconi has not indicated if and how he would vote.

Opposition leader Romano Prodi voted early Sunday in his hometown of Bologna, but made no comment on how he voted, the Italian news agency Apcom reported.

[bubina]

Sorry I wasn't home to vote...

[BC-Tracik]

This is going to be very interesting to watch on so many fronts... not just the test to the new pope and the church but also towards the freedoms of fertility treatments not just in Italy but potentially in other countries as well. Can't wait to see the results...

[BC-SgtMom]

Traci,

Yes, I totally agree, the results of this election could effect reproductive freedom worldwide (only 3 embryos? no donor anything? no stem cell research?). Seems like Italy needs a dose of separation of church and state.

Hey, three things you and I have in common: I also live in the Bay Area, I have a degree in HR, and I LOVE the name Mateo. Do you call him Teo for short?

Kate

[BC-Tracik]

HI Kate...Thanks, I love the name Mateo too, but it is suddenly surging in popularity I like my kids having "unique" yet traditional names, just don't want them to get to popular LOL. We swore we wouldn't shorten his name, we call DD by her full name, but she started shortening it and now We call him Matae, Teo, and Tae... the last being the most used.

[BC-SgtMom]

How do y'all shorten Alondra - to Londra or Ali? I think that is a city down in the LA area. Did you pick those names because they reflect their bio heritage, or you just like them? Anyway, they are cute kids!!!

My cousin is starting the adoption process. I told her I liked the idea of Guatemala, but currently she is considering China, I think. Maybe you can give her some advice?
I can hook you two up on email (we can PM our email addresses), if you are willing.

Thanks,
Kate

[Doreen]

Originally Posted by KateN

Italian bishops have repeatedly urged a voter boycott, with Pope Benedict XVI's endorsement.

Instead of urging a boycott, I could have swallowed this easier hearing they were urging a negative vote.

[BC-Tracik]

Kate ... I PM'd you

[BC-tinatinva]

I'm not certain the results would have influence worldwide. Italy has always been highly influenced by the Catholic Church. I'm not certain that follows in the rest of the world.
What concerns me most is the low voter turnout.. I think I would have preferred that the church push for a negative response vs. a boycott. Hard to tell if it is apathy or the church's influence, although I would venture to say it is the latter.

[bubina]

It was not an election, it was a referendum to modify a law that was passed a year ago. That law, limiting reproductive technology, is the first step toward making abortion illegal once again. It is a very complicated issue, and not one governed soley by the Catholic church. Berlusconi is now declaring that the majority of the country is with him (although his wife did go vote, and voted for change). Italy is predominately Catholic (Islam is second) but the Italians have always found ways to get around things. There is a saying, pass the law, find the loophole. When divorce wasn't legal, people bought annullments, even families with children. Now, infertile couples will find clinics that provide the care they need regardless of the law, or travel outside the country. As for low voter turnout, well, on a weekend in the summer, it was to be expected.