A coalition of groups and individuals committed to the universal abolition of surrogacy met in Rome over the weekend. It included politicians from the Italian political left.

Hosted by the Casablanca Declaration, the conference featured speakers from a variety of backgrounds and areas of expertise.

Before the meeting began, representatives met with Pope Francis and his top diplomat, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State for the Holy See.

They both reiterated their full support for the campaign to abolish surrogacy, protecting women and children from exploitation.

The conference featured the personal story of Olivia Maurel. Born of surrogacy, she is a campaigner against ‘wombs for rent’.

At a press conference, FAFCE President, Vincenzo Bassi highlighted the “broad coalition of people from different backgrounds standing up for human dignity” that the Casablanca Declaration has brought together. “This is not a question of ideology. It is about talking about the reality of surrogacy”, he added.