In a heart-rending battle for parental recognition, Michela Leidi, a 38-year-old lesbian mum, and her wife Viola have found themselves entangled in the aftermath of a contentious government policy targeting same-sex couples in Italy. The couple’s 13-month-old daughter, born through medically assisted procreation in Spain, is at the center of their struggle.
Viola, who carried the baby, and Michela, who has been actively involved in parenting since the beginning, were shocked when they received a letter from the government informing them of the removal of Michela’s name from their baby’s birth certificate. The policy, announced by right-wing populist PM Giorgia Meloni, has left the couple navigating a maze of legal complexities to restore Michela’s rightful place on the document.
“We don’t want to live in fear,” expressed Michela, revealing how the policy has compelled her to consider adopting their child as an alternative. Nevertheless, the adoption process is both lengthy and costly, and the couple remains steadfast in their fight for recognition. Michela urges the Italian government to think about the impact on families, emphasizing how their daughter’s normalcy in calling them “mummas” underscores the significance of acknowledging their parental roles.
Having attempted, albeit unsuccessfully, to overturn the removal of Michela’s name from the birth certificate, the couple encountered resistance from a state prosecutor who cited “contrary to public order” as the reason. This experience has left Michela and Viola devastated, with the knowledge that their family is not fully recognized by the state. The couple’s plight resonates with other lesbian mums, who share similar fears and uncertainties under the current policy.
Taking a stand against the government’s stance, Michela and Viola have participated in protests, advocating for inclusive parental-recognition bills that acknowledge legal parenthood for non-gestational lesbian parents. Pro-LGBTQ+ Italian politicians have decried the discriminatory nature of the policy, and human rights groups like The Human Rights Watch have called for the immediate reinstatement of women’s names on their children’s birth certificates.
As Italy grapples with cultural shifts and ongoing challenges in LGBTQ+ rights, Michela’s family represents just one among many who seek equality and recognition for their diverse forms of parenthood. Their resilience in the face of adversity ignites hope for change and greater acceptance in the future.