Italy's shockingly low birth rate is but one example of an issue that has spread across Europe and the Western world. While some blame the economic burden of child-raising, it is more likely that the decline is a sad consequence of the nuclear family no longer being championed. Symptomatic of wider cultural degradation, Italy's slow acceptance of the secular message will only have disastrous long-term consequences for the nation's future.
Mennuni's message is yet another attempt by tradition to erode the autonomy of women's body. While Italy's declining birthrate is of concern, this is outweighed by fears that the country's right-wing government will force its policies upon women at the expense of their right to freedom of choice. The ability for women to make their own decisions concerning their livelihoods, no matter the consequences, should always be championed.