Surrogacy is a booming global industry generating billions of dollars every year. But while demand for surrogacy is rising - more and more countries are taking steps to ban it completely. Most recently in Italy – where the far-right government has passed a new law that makes surrogacy a “universal crime”, putting it on the same level as child abuse and human trafficking. So, is surrogacy exploitative or empowering women?

On this episode Lucy Hockings speaks with the BBC's gender and identity correspondent Sofia Bettiza about how to balance the desire of gay or infertile couples to become parents with the rights of the women who carry the children.

The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Producer: Alice Aylett Roberts

Sound engineers: Ben Andrews and Daniel Ehrlich

Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas

Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Authors in August: Amy Castoro on Transitioning Family Wealth