2005 Italian fertility laws referendum

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12 June 2005
Scrapping limitations on clinical and experimental research on embryos
Yes
 
 88.0%
No
 
 12.0%
Proposal failed as voter turnout was below 50%
Scrapping limits on access to research on embryos
Yes
 
 88.8%
No
 
 11.2%
Proposal failed as voter turnout was below 50%
Scrapping the legal definition of embryos as people
Yes
 
 87.7%
No
 
 12.3%
Proposal failed as voter turnout was below 50%
Allowing IVF treatment with donated eggs or sperm
Yes
 
 78.2%
No
 
 21.8%
Proposal failed as voter turnout was below 50%
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A four-part abrogative referendum on fertility laws was held in Italy on 12 June 2005.[1] Voters were asked whether research and access to the research on embryos should no longer be limited, whether embryos should no longer be legally recognised as people and whether IVF treatment should no longer be limited to three embryos.[2][3] The referendum was called after the Italian Radicals collected the 500,000 signatures required.[3] Although all four proposals were approved by wide margins, the voter turnout of 26% was well below the 50% threshold and the results were invalidated.[2] Pope Benedict XVI had called for a boycott.[4]

Results

Scrapping limitations on clinical and experimental research on embryos

Choice Votes %
Yes 10,743,710 88.0
No 1,461,217 12.0
Invalid/blank votes 532,691 –
Total 12,737,618 100
Registered voters/turnout 49,648,425 25.7
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Scrapping limits on access to research on embryos

Choice Votes %
Yes 10,819,909 88.8
No 1,367,288 11.2
Invalid/blank votes 551,200 –
Total 12,738,397 100
Registered voters/turnout 49,648,425 25.7
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Scrapping the legal definition of embryos as people

Choice Votes %
Yes 10,663,125 87.7
No 1,492,042 12.3
Invalid/blank votes 579,766 –
Total 12,734,933 100
Registered voters/turnout 49,648,425 25.7
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Allowing IVF treatment with donated eggs or sperm

Choice Votes %
Yes 9,391,161 78.2
No 2,744,895 21.8
Invalid/blank votes 590,080 –
Total 12,726,136 100
Registered voters/turnout 49,648,425 25.6
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

  1. ^ Dieter Nohlen & Philip Stöver (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1049 ISBN 978-3-8329-5609-7
  2. ^ a b Nohlen & Stöver, pp1063-1064
  3. ^ a b Poor turnout for Italy's fertility referendum BioNews, 13 June 2005
  4. ^ Pope backs boycott of Italy's referendum on assisted fertility Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2005
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