title: Italian Law 40/2004: a view from the 'Wild West'.
abstract: The passage of Law 40/2004 in Italy dramatically affected the manner in which assisted reproduction is conducted there. A recent attempt to modify this highly restrictive legislation failed to gain popular support and was defeated in a 2005 referendum. The public's desire to regulate the field of IVF is probably a result of growing concern over the use and misuse of the technology as portrayed in the popular press and media. Practitioners using this technology throughout the world should take note of the impact legislation brings upon the delivery and accessibility of care, and be appreciative of the social sensitivity of the general population regarding the safe guarding of human embryos.
authors.affiliation: Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA. mvs9@columbia.edu
authors.forename: Mark V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Sauer
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D033161:Government Regulation; D007558:Italy; D011639:Public Opinion; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*