Becoming lesbian mothers in contemporary Italy: The challenge of social and legal constraints

Italy still represents a particular case in Europe. LGBT couples’ rights have been recognised only recently, parental rights are still denied and access to assisted reproduction (ART) is prohibited for singles and lesbian couples. The ambivalence of the legislator in granting citizenship rights is also reflected in the societal attitude towards LGBT rights. Surveys revealed a majority of respondents in favour of a law recognising equal rights to same-sex couples; however percentages have dropped with regard to approval of parenting rights (ISTAT 2011). While adoption appears to be the most approved path to parenting for LGBT couples, ART and surrogacy