Economic Inequalities Linked to Rising Infant Mortality Rates in France
Economic inequalities in France are increasingly linked to rising infant mortality rates, marking a decline in healthcare outcomes since 1990.
- • France's infant mortality rate has dropped to 23rd in Europe from the lowest in 1990.
- • Economic inequalities are identified as a major factor affecting infant mortality.
- • Vulnerable families experience heightened risks due to limited access to healthcare.
- • A comprehensive approach to address these disparities is urgently needed.
Key details
Recent studies have highlighted a troubling trend in France's infant mortality rates, which have plummeted from being the lowest in Europe in 1990 to 23rd place as of 2025. This decline has been attributed primarily to increasing economic inequalities within the country. According to a comprehensive report by health experts, disparities in wealth and access to healthcare services are significantly affecting the survival rates of infants, particularly in lower-income households.
The report documented that families with fewer economic resources face heightened risks during childbirth and infancy due to limited access to prenatal care and postnatal support. "The gap in infant mortality rates reflects broader social inequalities," a leading researcher noted, emphasizing that economic factors significantly shape health outcomes. In socioeconomic terms, this shift not only reflects inadequate healthcare policy responses but also raises alarms about the overall welfare of vulnerable populations in France.
Contrasting their findings with historical data, experts pointed out that while France once led Europe in providing safe environments for childbirth, persistent socioeconomic divides have reversed this progress. As the country moves forward, addressing these inequalities could be paramount in reversing this decline in infant health outcomes, and fostering a more equitable healthcare system remains a critical priority.