Rome, September 30 (askanews) – "In Lazio, birth rates have plummeted by 27% in ten years, and the average age of first-time mothers exceeds 32. Faced with a structural crisis like this, we need family policies that aren't one-off bonuses, but ongoing economic and cultural tools." This was stated by Donatella Possemato, president of the Life and Birth Observatory (ONV), during a hearing before the 7th Permanent Commission on "Health, Social Policies, Social and Health Integration, and Welfare" of the Lazio Regional Council, during the examination of bill no.
207/2025 on family and birth rate.
Among the shared points, ONV welcomes the extension of benefits to unborn children from conception. "It's a step forward," said Possemato, "but it must be accompanied by prevention centers for infertility and eating disorders, free prenatal diagnosis, and psychological support throughout the maternal and child journey." Possemato relaunched the proposal for a "Family Tax Code": "Only if we treat the family as an economic entity," he stated, "will we be able to develop effective policies. We propose a family rating, managed through CAF (Tax Assistance Funds) and social assistance agencies, which generates tax credits for all documented expenses, including early childhood goods and healthcare costs." To support new families, the ONV proposes the active involvement of the banking system, with subsidized loans and guaranteed access to housing. "It's not enough to tell young people to have children: we need to create the material and cultural conditions to do so." The Observatory also calls for structured interventions for vulnerable mothers, large families, and separated parents, including vouchers, birth packages through public tenders, and support for school expenses. "A thousand-euro bonus runs out in ten days," he said. "We need long-lasting tools, such as free supplies of milk, diapers, books, and essential goods." Finally, ONV emphasizes the importance of the cultural factor. "We need a new, positive image of the family. We propose social media campaigns, short films, and projects in schools and the media to make parenthood a desirable choice again, not an obstacle."
Notizie.it editorial team