HAVE A BABY, GET A BONUS: From the Los Angeles Times (via Family Scholars)

Angelina Spiotta had always wanted to be a mother. Married a year, she figured it was time. It didn't hurt that her local government was offering parents nearly $14,000 for every baby delivered in this struggling southern town.

Spiotta gave birth to little Massimo late last fall, "not because of the money," she said, "but the money is a help. It helps for the future."

Across Italy, towns are dying, and like the canary in the coal mine, these small deaths are a sign of what could happen to the country as a whole if its birthrate doesn't climb. As it stands, Italy's population could shrink by a third by 2050; until now, only an influx of immigrants has kept the numbers stable. ...

The Italian government last year gave a $1,300 one-time payment to couples who had a second child, but the Laviano plan appears to be unique.

Italy's birthrate--slightly more than one baby per woman--has repercussions beyond condemning towns like Laviano. Because Italians are living longer, the population is aging. There are fewer able-bodied workers to pay taxes and contribute to pensions, while the segment of the population needing pensions and old-age healthcare balloons.

The national statistics bureau says Italy has the highest percentage of people 65 or older in the world: 18.6% in 2003.

grandmommas, boars, and much more
posted by Eve at 7:57 PM VOTE

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