One Of Us European Federation, dedicated to upholding the principles of human dignity and protecting vulnerable individuals, wholeheartedly celebrates the momentous decision reached by the Joint Committee on Civil Liberties and Women’s Rights in the European Parliament. In a groundbreaking vote earlier today, surrogacy was officially designated as a form of human trafficking within the proposed Directive to amend Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and combating human trafficking and protecting victims (2022/0426(COD)). Marina Casini, president of the One of Us Federation, celebrates this decision “that means that the weakest will be more protected in the European territory and the non-birth are nearer to be considered as one of us by the EU institutions”.
The Committees on Women’s Rights and Civil Liberties have taken a stand on revised regulations to combat human trafficking and provide support to its victims. The proposed changes aim to bolster victim protection, expand the scope of the law to encompass forced marriage, illegal adoption, reproductive exploitation through surrogacy, and the exploitation of children in residential institutions. This position was overwhelmingly endorsed with 69 votes in favor, 0 against, and 22 abstentions. Negotiations with the Council have been granted authorization with 86 votes in favor, 0 against, and 4 abstentions.
MEP François-Xavier Bellamy, supported by fellow members of the EPP group, submitted amendments advocating for the inclusion of surrogacy as a component of human trafficking. This marks a significant stride in effectively safeguarding the most vulnerable and actively combating the commodification of human bodies.
While surrogacy remains prohibited in several EU countries, varying legislations within other EU nations create a regulatory inconsistency on this issue. This incongruity is exploited by those who profit from surrogacy to circumvent national bans. By classifying surrogacy as a form of human trafficking, the European Union takes a substantial step toward preventing the exploitation of women’s bodies and the commodification of children. In response to this morning’s vote, One Of Us European Federation President Marina Casini commends the European Parliament for its unwavering dedication to safeguarding human dignity and protecting the vulnerable. She eagerly anticipates the ongoing progress in the fight against human trafficking and the comprehensive inclusion of surrogacy within the ambit of this vital directive.
