Tuscany health ministry rejects birth‑point derogations, sparking regional protest

The national Committee for Birth Pathways, operating under the Ministry of Health, issued a negative opinion on requests for derogations for three birth points in southern‑eastern Tuscany – Poggibonsi, Montepulciano and Montevarchi – and granted only a 12‑month derogation for the Nottola point.

The Regional Council of Tuscany, the local health authority (ASL Toscana Sud Est) and the mayors of the affected towns, including Susanna Cenni of Poggibonsi and Michele Angiolini of Montepulciano, expressed strong disappointment, arguing that the assessment relied on outdated data and ignored recent investments and the fact that more than 200 newborns would have to travel over 60 minutes to the nearest alternative. The provincial Democratic Party and the Action party also voiced support, criticizing a purely numeric approach and urging the region and health authority to maintain local maternity services.