'Italy needs anonymous donor fertility law' says Lorenzin

Health minister to launch nat'l plan to combat low birth rate

(ANSA) - Rome, September 3 - Regions do well to agree on anonymous donor fertility treatment rules, but Italy needs a law on the matter, Health Minister Beatrice Lorenzin said Wednesday.

Legislation is needed on issues such as donor security, capping the number of times sperm or eggs from a single donor should be used, and setting up a national anonymous donor registry, the minister explained. There is currently "no authorized center" for this kind of fertility treatment, said Lorenzin, adding that she has sent a draft decree to parliament.

As well, the minister announced the launch of a new fertility plan for Italy. "Italy has had low or zero birth rate for years, and if it goes on like this, our economy will be at risk," said Lorenzin.