France Launches Bold Campaign to Encourage Childbearing at Age 29
The French government is set to roll out a targeted initiative urging all 29-year-old citizens to consider starting a family while they still can. This move forms a key component of a comprehensive 16-point strategy designed to reverse the nation's declining fertility rates, which have sparked concerns over future economic stability and public services.
Addressing Fertility Awareness and Demographic Pressures
Health officials in France emphasise that the campaign aims to prevent individuals from encountering fertility issues later in life, potentially leading to regrets about missed opportunities. By disseminating scientifically grounded information on sexual health and contraception, the government hopes to foster a proactive approach to family planning. The material will underscore that fertility is a shared responsibility between women and men, reflecting a broader societal shift in attitudes.
This strategy emerges against a backdrop of falling birth rates across many Western nations, including the United Kingdom, where figures have reached record lows. In France, the current fertility rate stands at 1.56 children per woman, significantly below the 2.1 needed to maintain population stability. Comparatively, the UK's rate dropped to 1.41 in England and Wales by 2024, highlighting a widespread demographic challenge.
Expanding Support Services and Research Initiatives
As part of its ambitious plan, France is committed to enhancing reproductive healthcare infrastructure. The government intends to increase the number of egg-freezing centres from 40 to 70, positioning the country as a leader in fertility research. Notably, France already offers free egg-freezing services for individuals aged 29 to 37, a benefit that contrasts sharply with the UK, where similar procedures can cost around £5,000 per round.
Additional measures include the launch of a national communication campaign, the development of a "My Fertility" website providing advice on lifestyle factors such as smoking and weight, and the introduction of school lessons focused on reproductive health. These efforts are complemented by a review of perinatal care, addressing higher maternal and infant mortality rates compared to neighbouring countries.
Expert Insights and Global Context
Professor François Gemenne, a specialist in sustainability and migration at HEC Paris Business School, notes that the recent demographic shift in France, where deaths outnumbered births last year, has created a "shock effect" prompting urgent action. He links France's demographic anxieties to its pension system design and ongoing debates over immigration.
Critics of the scheme argue that broader social and economic factors, such as better housing and maternity provision, might offer more effective solutions. Professor Allan Pacey of Manchester University highlights that decisions about having children often hinge on non-medical elements like education access, career opportunities, and financial stability, areas where medical interventions have limited impact.
Globally, policies aimed at boosting fertility rates have yielded mixed results, with countries like China, Japan, and South Korea facing even lower rates. In the UK, similar concerns persist, as highlighted by recent reports suggesting 2026 could mark a "tipping point" for birth rates. As France forges ahead with its plan, the outcomes may provide valuable lessons for other nations grappling with ageing populations and the associated fiscal pressures on pensions and healthcare systems.
