Italian fertility laws referendum, 2005

A four-part 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 be limited, whether embryos should be legally recognised as people and whether IVF treatment should 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	%
For	10,743,710	88.0
Against	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	%
For	10,819,909	88.8
Against	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	%
For	10,663,125	87.7
Against	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	%
For	9,391,161	78.2
Against	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. Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1049 ISBN 978-3-8329-5609-7
2. Nohlen & Stöver, pp1063-1064
3. 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