Overview
- The March arrival of Lara Bussi Trabucco made her the first baby born in Pagliara dei Marsi in nearly three decades, drawing visitors to the village of roughly 20 residents.
- Istat reports a 2024 low of 369,944 births and a fertility rate of 1.18, with preliminary 2025 data showing further declines and a 10.2% drop in Abruzzo between January and July.
- The family received a one-off €1,000 baby bonus introduced in 2025 and about €370 per month in child benefits, which they say does not offset scarce childcare options.
- Local health services are under pressure as Sulmona’s maternity unit recorded 120 births in 2024, far below the 500 threshold tied to funding, raising closure and travel-risk concerns.
- Education insecurity looms as past school closures cast doubt on nearby Castellafiume’s long-term viability, even as the village mayor hopes Lara’s birth encourages other families.