Italy faces a severe demographic crisis with births plummeting to 379,000 in 2025. Explore the economic and social 'perfect storm' causing this collapse and its profound implications for the nation's future.
China introduces a 13% VAT on contraceptives while exempting childcare services, aiming to reverse a declining population. Experts debate the policy's effectiveness and potential risks.
An investigation into the unregulated world of UK doulas, known as 'The Birth Keepers', and their growing influence on maternity care. Discover the promises, risks, and the women at the centre of this movement.
An investigation by Guardian journalists reveals how a mother's engagement with the Free Birth Society community in 2018 led to devastating consequences. Listen to the full story.
Explore the rising doula movement in the UK as it confronts systemic gaps in maternity care. Meet the women offering emotional and physical support where the NHS falls short.
While PM Giorgia Meloni basked in glory at the far-right Atreju festival, Italy faces a stark reality: soaring poverty and record emigration. We analyse the contradictions of her rule.
An investigation reveals how the Free Birth Society's message led one woman to the brink. Discover the risks of unassisted childbirth and the year-long Guardian probe.
A mother shares her experience of a planned home birth, supported by professionals, advocating for informed choice and a middle ground between free birthing and hospital intervention.
AC Milan leapfrog rivals Inter to go top of Serie A after a 3-0 win over Hellas Verona, inspired by a Christopher Nkunku brace. Discover the match details and implications for the title race.
We taste-tested 10 supermarket charcuterie selections to find the best cured meats for your festive platter. Discover the top picks for prosciutto, coppa, and chorizo.
Discover Cesena, Emilia-Romagna's authentic, crowd-free city of books and incredible food. Get expert travel tips and find cheap flights from the UK.
The birth of baby Lara in Pagliara dei Marsi highlights Italy's deepening demographic crisis, with national birth rates hitting a historic low. Can policies reverse the trend?
Former Coronation Street star Kym Marsh announces the birth of her fourth grandchild, Bobby, in a heartwarming Christmas Day Instagram post. Read the full story and see the adorable family photos.
Exclusive NHS data reveals Asian women are nearly twice as likely to experience severe vaginal tearing during childbirth. Experts warn of a critical awareness gap among healthcare staff.
A group of retired nuns in Italy, led by a 98-year-old, have become social media sensations with their positive and humorous videos, gaining over 145,000 followers. Discover their inspiring story.
A Spanish woman awarded nearly €1 million after discovering she was switched at birth in 2002. The shocking DNA test result revealed her parents were not biologically related. Read the full story.
Forget festive stress. A gripping Italian thriller, 'Stranded', is the perfect Christmas binge on Channel 4. Guests are trapped in a luxury resort as dark secrets unravel. Dive in now.
A London commuter was left emotional after spotting a personal birth announcement on a Tube station board. The viral TikTok video captured a moment of unexpected joy at Notting Hill Gate.
A new study reveals the world's top food destinations. Naples takes the crown, but no UK city made the top 30. Discover the full list and the Italian dominance.
An investigation by The Guardian reveals how the Free Birth Society's message of rejecting medical care endangered pregnant women. Listen to the full podcast series for the shocking details.
The Bank of England has cut its base rate to 3.75%, the lowest since 2023. Experts predict mortgage rates could fall to 3% by late 2026. Discover what this means for your home loan.
The famed Florentine sandwich shop All’Antico Vinaio has launched its first UK location on Old Compton Street, Soho. Discover if its legendary schiacciata bread and generous fillings live up to the hype.
A Guardian investigation reveals the multimillion-dollar Free Birth Society, promoting unassisted childbirth, has been linked to baby deaths globally. Listen to the Full Story podcast.
China will impose a 13% VAT on condoms and contraceptive drugs from January 1, ending a 30-year exemption. Experts warn of risks to public health as social media users ridicule the move.
The Bank of England is expected to cut interest rates after inflation fell to 3.2%. Follow live updates on the crucial decision impacting mortgages and the UK economy.
China ends a 30-year tax exemption on contraceptives, imposing a 13% VAT from 1 January. This 'carrot-and-stick' approach aims to boost the birth rate, but experts doubt its effectiveness. Explore the policy shift and public reaction.
NHS data reveals a historic shift: 45% of births in England are now caesareans. Explore the trends, age factors, and expert insights behind this change in maternity care.
UK inflation fell more than expected to 3.2% in November, driven by a supermarket price war. The data locks in an anticipated Bank of England interest rate cut. Read the full analysis.
UK inflation fell more than expected to 3.2% in November, driven by a supermarket price war. The data strengthens the case for a Bank of England interest rate cut. Read the latest analysis.
UK inflation dropped sharply to 3.2% in November, undershooting forecasts. The data strengthens the case for a Bank of England interest rate cut today. Read the latest analysis.