Wednesday 19 November @ 14:00 - 18:00 CET

On Wednesday afternoon, ECR MEPs Paolo Inselvini, Bert-Jan Ruissen and Stephen Bartulica will host a conference on the ethical and political challenges of surrogacy.

The event will be opened by H.E. Ms Eugenia Roccella, Italy’s Minister for Equal Opportunities, Family and Natality, and Ms. Reem Alsalem, UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, and will bring together MEPs, many experts, and representatives of civil society for an institutional discussion on the ethical, legal, and political dimensions of surrogacy in Europe and worldwide.

We will hear first-hand testimonies from women and children directly affected by surrogacy practices, offering a unique perspective on the fierce reproduction market behind this global phenomenon.

Interpretation will be available in English, French and Italian.

When: Wednesday, 19 November @ 14:00-18:00

Where: SPAAK 1A2

AGENDA:

Instutional greetings:

• Bert Jan Russien, ECR MEP (NL)
• Paolo Inselvini, ECR MEP (IT)
• Stephen Bartulica ECR MEP (HR)
• Carlo Fidanza, ECR MEP (IT)
• Nicola Procaccini, ECR MEP (IT)
• Laarence Trochu, ECR MEP (FR)
• Jadwiga Wisniewska. ECR MEP (PL)
• Serban Dimitrie Sturdza, ECR MEP (RO)
• Aurelijus Veryga, ECR MEP (LT)

Opening Remarks:

• H.E Eugenia Roccella, Minister for Equal Opportunities, Family and Natality in Italy
• Reem Alsalem, United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls. Author of UN report “Violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences”

Panel 1

The invisible victims - women and children: The true exploited in the reproductive market

Moderator: Stephen Bartulica

• Olivia Maurel, Spokesperson Casablanca Declaration
• José Luis Bazan, Legal expert of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE)
• Olusesan Ayodeji Makinde, Chief Executive Officer of Viable Helpers Development Organization
• Jennifer Lahl, Founder of the Centre for Bioethics and Culture
• Reem Alsalem, United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls.
• Anne Schaub, Psychologist and Psychotherapist, Specialist in Prenatal Memories and Early-Life Trauma

Panel 2

Politics and Legislation – The European Legal Framework on Surrogacy

Moderator: Paolo Inselvini

• Laoise De Brun, Lawyer and founder of The Countess - Advocating for Women and Girls in Ireland
• Tonio Borg, former European Commissioner for Health, currently President of OneOfUs
• Carmen Correas Lopez, Policy Officer Alliance Defending Freedom International (ADF)
• Emanuele Bilotti, Professor of Private Law at the European University of Rome. Italian representative on the Management Board of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights
• Maddalena Morgante, Member of Italian Parliament. Responsible for the Family and Non-Negotiable Values Department in Fratelli d’Italia.

Panel 3

United for Dignity – A European Network Against Surrogacy

Moderator: Francesco Borgonovo, Journalist

• Bernard Garcia, Coordinator of the Casablanca Declaration
• Maria Rachele Ruiu, ProVita&Famiglia
• Massimo Gandolfini, President Family Day
• Ludovine de La Rochère, Head of Le Syndicat de la Famille
• Valentina di Paco, Representative of the Pope John XXIII Community International Office to the United Nations
• Zeljka Markic, Head of March for Life Croatia
• Elise Van Hoek, Senior Policy Officer NPV
• Alice Cordier, President Collectif Némésis
• Teresa Gerns, Advocacy Director for Council of Europe and United Nations, Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe (FAFCE)
• Teresa Gerns, Advocacy Director for Council of Europe and United Nations, Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe (FAFCE)

Conclusions