Overview

• An Insee report published July 16 using 2023 data shows that France’s birth numbers continued to decline, reaching their lowest level since World War II.
• The average age at first birth climbed to 29.1 years, up nearly one year since 2013 and more than five years since 1974.
• Age diversity among first-time mothers widened, with 10% aged 22 or younger, 10% aged 36 or older and 3.6% at least 40 in 2023.
• France’s fertility indicators remain below the European Union average, lagging behind several neighbouring countries.
• Media outlets have started collecting personal testimonies to shed light on the lived experiences driving the shift in maternity patterns.