Single-Parent Adoptions in Italy: New Horizons of Collaboration Between Law, Legal Medicine, Ethics, and Psychology

Background: Adoption in Italy has evolved significantly over the years, becoming a critical legal, social, and ethical issue. Recent data indicates a decline in the number of adoptions, reflecting a broader European trend. Historically, adoption was primarily pursued by couples unable to have biological children due to infertility. Today, however, the adoption process in Italy has expanded to include single individuals, following recent legislative reforms that aim to accommodate diverse family structures. Methods: We have analyzed the relevant literature through a PubMed search and studied the current regulations considering recent Italian developments. This paper examines the current state of adoption in Italy, focusing on the increasing need for interdisciplinary collaboration between law, forensic medicine, ethics, and psychology. Results: The evolving adoption landscape requires a comprehensive approach that addresses legal issues, medical conditions, ethical considerations, and psychological support for both adoptive parents and children. The integration of these fields is essential for ensuring the well-being of the adopted child and the success of the adoption process. Conclusions: By exploring the dynamics of adoption, this article highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary framework in meeting the needs of children awaiting adoption and fostering the development of new family structures in Italy. In particular, forensic medicine plays a central role in evaluating parental suitability, detecting potential risk factors, and supporting judicial decisions through technical expertise and medico-legal assessments.