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]

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Quick Facts Scrapping limitations on clinical and experimental research on embryos, Scrapping limits on access to research on embryos ...

2005 Italian fertility laws referendum

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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