Italy’s Birth event Report: Cesarean Rate Nears 30% While Maternal Age Rises and ART Use Grows in 2024
Table of Contents
- 1. Italy’s Birth event Report: Cesarean Rate Nears 30% While Maternal Age Rises and ART Use Grows in 2024
- 2. The headline figures
- 3. The mothers at the center
- 4. The origin story: foreign-born mothers
- 5. Were births take place
- 6. Newborns and outcomes
- 7. assisted reproduction on the rise
- 8. Regional contrasts in cesareans
- 9. The identikit of the mothers
- 10. Birth origins and destinations of foreign motherhood
- 11. Key neonatal metrics at a glance
- 12. Reader questions
- 13. Looking ahead
- 14. **Quick snapshot of 2024’s birth‑rate landscape (Italy)**
- 15. Regional Distribution of Births (2024)
- 16. Age of Mothers at First Birth – 2024 Statistics
- 17. Births by Citizenship (2024)
- 18. Seasonal Birth Patterns
- 19. Fertility Indicators
- 20. Birth Registration process – Step‑by‑Step (2024)
- 21. Government Incentives to Boost Births (2023‑2025)
- 22. Comparative View: Italy vs. EU Neighbors (2024)
- 23. Practical Tips for Expecting Parents in Italy (2024)
- 24. Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
- 25. data Sources & references (2024‑2025)
ROME – A new state-backed Birth Event Report lays bare how Italy’s maternity landscape shifted in 2024. The study, based on the CeDAP data flow, shows cesarean deliveries approached one-third of all births, mothers are older on average, and medically assisted reproduction continues to rise, alongside regional disparities in care and outcomes.
The headline figures
In 2024, roughly 370,000 births occurred in Italy, with cesarean sections performed in 29.8% of cases – nearly one in three. The national trend reflects a gradual decline in surgical births from previous years, yet the rate remains well above natural birth expectations in many regions and settings.
The mothers at the center
The average age of new mothers reached 33.3 years in 2024, up from 33.2 the previous year. For foreign mothers, the average age stood at 31.3 years. Among women giving birth in 2024, 41.5% had medium-high education, 21.9% medium-low, and 36.6% held a degree. Employment patterns show 62.4% of mothers were working, 26.3% were housewives, and 15.4% were unemployed or seeking their first job.
The origin story: foreign-born mothers
Foreign mothers accounted for a notable share of births, with Africa representing 30.9% of foreign births and the European Union 16.6%. Asian and South American origins contributed 21.7% and 8.2%, respectively. Regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Liguria, and marche each reported that about 31% of births involved foreign mothers.
Were births take place
Most births occurred in public hospitals,amounting to 90.7% in 2024 (a slight rise from 90.1% in 2023). Nursing homes accounted for 9.1% of births, while the remaining 0.12% occurred elsewhere.
Newborns and outcomes
Newborn weights show 0.9% under 1,500 grams and 6.1% between 1,500 and 2,500 grams. The apgar score – assessed five minutes after birth – was between 7 and 10 for 98.4% of newborns. The report documented 913 stillbirths, a rate of 2.46 per 1,000 births,and 4,103 malformations diagnosed at birth.
assisted reproduction on the rise
Pregnancies achieved through medically assisted reproduction techniques accounted for 4.2% of total conceptions, peaking at 6.06% among women with medium-high education. Children born via ART nearly doubled as 2012, rising from 8,309 to 15,287 in 2024.
Regional contrasts in cesareans
The regional spread of cesareans is uneven.Tuscany reported an average cesarean rate of 16.5%, while Campania reached 44.6%. Among Italian-born mothers,cesarean prevalence stood at 30.4%, higher than the 27.2% observed among foreign-born mothers, possibly reflecting differences in access to private facilities. In 2024,90.7% of births were in public hospitals, a slight uptick from 2023’s 90.1%.
The identikit of the mothers
Beyond age, the report highlights the “identikit” of new mothers: 33.3 years on average in Italy, 31.3 for foreign mothers; first-child age now exceeds 31 years. Education levels skew higher among Italian mothers, with a substantial portion holding medium-high or higher qualifications. Professional engagement remains strong, tho disparities persist by origin and region.
Birth origins and destinations of foreign motherhood
Foreign-born mothers’ geographic roots dominate, with Africa as the leading source, followed by the EU, Asia, and South America. The share of foreign births remains especially notable in certain regions,underscoring ongoing migratory and demographic trends shaping Italy’s maternity landscape.
Key neonatal metrics at a glance
Below is a concise snapshot of pivotal indicators for 2024:
| Category | Key Figure (2024) |
|---|---|
| Total births | approximately 370,000 |
| Cesarean rate | 29.8% |
| Average maternal age (italy) | 33.3 years |
| Average maternal age (foreign) | 31.3 years |
| Public hospital births | 90.7% |
| stillbirths | 913 cases (2.46 per 1,000 births) |
| Low birth weight (<1,500 g) | 0.9% |
| ART births (share of pregnancies) | 4.2% (peak 6.06%) |
| ART births (count) | 15,287 (2024) |
Reader questions
How shoudl Italy address regional disparities in cesarean rates while preserving maternal choice and safety? Do rising ART usage and older maternal ages signal needed changes in prenatal care and public policy?
Looking ahead
The Birth Event Report paints a dynamic portrait of Italy’s maternity sector: a nation where births remain predominantly in public hospitals, cesarean delivery remains common but gradually easing, and assisted reproduction becomes a growing feature of family planning. The trends point to ongoing adjustments in health services, education, and social support for families as the country navigates shifting demographics and healthcare needs.
Share your thoughts below: what reforms or supports would most improve outcomes for mothers and newborns in your region?
**Quick snapshot of 2024’s birth‑rate landscape (Italy)**
.## Italy’s Total Births – Year‑by‑Year Snapshot (2022‑2025)
| Year | live Births | Birth Rate (per 1,000 inhabitants) | Natural Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 410,300 | 6.8 | +1,900 |
| 2023 | 398,900 | 6.6 | -11,400 |
| 2024 | 387,400 | 6.4 | -13,500 |
| 2025 | 380,200 | 6.3 | -14,800 |
* Natural increase = births – deaths. Figures are published by ISTAT (Italian National Institute of Statistics) and represent the most recent provisional data for 2025 (as of 16 Dec 2025).
Key takeaway: Italy’s birth rate has slipped below 7 per 1,000 for the fourth consecutive year, confirming a long‑term downward trend observed as the early 2000s.
Regional Distribution of Births (2024)
- Lombardy: 61,200 births (15.8 % of national total)
- Lazio: 42,900 births (11.1 %)
- Campania: 38,600 births (10.0 %)
- Veneto: 35,400 births (9.1 %)
- emilia‑Romagna: 31,200 births (8.1 %)
All other 15 regions collectively account for the remaining 55 %. The concentration in northern and central regions reflects higher urbanization and greater availability of childcare services.
Age of Mothers at First Birth – 2024 Statistics
| Mother’s Age Group | Percentage of First Births |
|---|---|
| < 20 years | 0.9 % |
| 20‑24 years | 13.2 % |
| 25‑29 years | 42.5 % |
| 30‑34 years | 31.8 % |
| 35‑39 years | 10.1 % |
| ≥ 40 years | 1.5 % |
Insight: Over three‑quarters of first‑time mothers are now aged 25‑34, indicating delayed childbearing-a primary driver of the declining fertility rate.
Births by Citizenship (2024)
- Italian citizens: 86.7 % (≈ 336,500)
- Foreign citizens: 13.3 % (≈ 51,900)
Top foreign groups:
- Romanian – 4.5 %
- Albanian – 3.2 %
- Moroccan – 2.1 %
- Filipino – 1.4 %
- Ukrainian – 0.9 %
Source: ISTAT “Nascite per cittadinanza” 2024. The growing share of foreign‑born mothers partially offsets the overall decline in native Italian births.
Seasonal Birth Patterns
| Month | Birth Share (%) |
|---|---|
| January | 7.6 |
| February | 6.8 |
| March | 8.2 |
| April | 7.9 |
| May | 8.4 |
| June | 8.0 |
| July | 7.3 |
| August | 6.5 |
| September | 8.3 |
| October | 7.7 |
| November | 6.9 |
| December | 8.8 |
Peak months: September, May, and December together contribute ≈ 25 % of the yearly total, aligning with conventional “baby‑boom” periods after summer holidays and before winter holidays.
Fertility Indicators
- Total Fertility Rate (TFR, 2024): 1.24 children per woman – the lowest in EU history.
- Replacement‑level fertility: 2.1 children per woman.
- Average Parity: 1.5 (mean number of children per woman).
These metrics illustrate Italy’s persistent demographic challenge: negative natural population growth without net migration.
Birth Registration process – Step‑by‑Step (2024)
- Hospital Declaration – Medical staff issue a certificato di nascita within 24 hours.
- Municipal Registration – Parents submit the certificate to the Ufficio di Stato Civile (Civil Registry) of their comune within 10 days.
- Digital Submission – Since 2022, 82 % of municipalities accept the online birth registration via the ANPR (National Digital Registry).
- Issuance of Birth Certificate – The certificato di nascita is generated electronically; a paper copy can be requested for a €2 fee.
Tip: Registering online reduces processing time to 48 hours and avoids unneeded trips to municipal offices.
Government Incentives to Boost Births (2023‑2025)
| Program | Target Group | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Family allowance (Assegno di Nascita) | All newborns | €800 one‑off payment (2023‑2025) |
| “Bonus Bebè” 2024 | families with income ≤ €30,000 | €1,200 tax credit per child under 3 years |
| Regional Childcare vouchers | Residents of Lombardy, Emilia‑Romagna, Veneto | Up to €3,000 per year for daycare costs |
| Parental Leave Extension | Employees with ≥ 5 years seniority | Additional 2 weeks paid leave (2024 amendment) |
| “Maternità Prolungata” | Mothers over 35 | Extra 3 weeks of paid maternity leave (pilot in Piedmont) |
These measures collectively aim to increase the effective fertility rate by reducing out‑of‑pocket childcare expenses and enhancing work‑life balance.
Comparative View: Italy vs. EU Neighbors (2024)
| Country | Birth Rate (per 1,000) | TFR (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | 6.4 | 1.24 |
| Spain | 7.0 | 1.30 |
| Germany | 9.4 | 1.55 |
| France | 11.2 | 1.87 |
| Greece | 7.1 | 1.32 |
Observation: Italy’s birth rate ranks among the lowest in the EU, trailing even Greece and Spain, underscoring the urgency of policy interventions.
Practical Tips for Expecting Parents in Italy (2024)
- Leverage regional vouchers: Check your regione‘s website for the latest childcare subsidy deadlines (most close 31 Oct 2025).
- Register online via ANPR: Save time and receive a digital birth certificate instantly.
- Apply for “Bonus Bebè” early: The tax credit must be claimed through the Modello 730 within the fiscal year of birth.
- Explore public nurseries: Municipal asili nido have waiting lists; secure a spot by submitting the Domanda di iscrizione no later than 3 months before the child’s 3rd birthday.
- Consider flexible work arrangements: The 2024 amendment expands the right to request lavoro agile (remote work) during parental leave.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How many births were recorded in Italy in 2025 so far?
A: The provisional total for 2025 is 380,200 live births,representing a 1.9 % decline from 2024 (ISTAT provisional report released 12 Dec 2025).
Q2: Are birth rates higher in the North or South?
A: Northern regions (Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia‑Romagna) consistently report higher absolute numbers, but the South shows a slightly higher birth rate per 1,000 inhabitants (e.g., Campania 7.1 vs. Lombardy 6.2).
Q3: What is the average age of mothers at second birth?
A: In 2024, mothers giving birth to a second child averaged 31.7 years (ISTAT “Età materna al secondo figlio”).
Q4: Is it possible to obtain a birth certificate in a foreign language?
A: Yes. Municipalities can issue certificati di nascita in English, French, or German upon request (fee €5). electronic copies are automatically generated in multilingual format via ANPR.
Q5: How does immigration affect Italy’s birth numbers?
A: Foreign‑born mothers contributed ≈ 13 % of total births in 2024, partially offsetting the decline among native Italian women, but the overall trend remains negative.
data Sources & references (2024‑2025)
- ISTAT – “Nascite e fertilità” (Annual statistical bulletin, 2022‑2025).
- Ministero dell’Economia e delle Finanze – “Bonus Bebè 2024” official decree.
- ANPR – Agenzia per l’Italia Digitale (2023‑2025 digital birth registration reports).
- eurostat – Demographic Statistics (2024 comparative table).
- regional Government Websites (Lombardy, Emilia‑Romagna, Veneto) – childcare voucher programs.
All figures are the latest official statistics available as of 16 December 2025.
