France Faces Continued Decline in Birth Rates Amid New Family Support Measures

France recorded 55,165 births in October 2025, marking a 3.6% decrease compared to October 2024, according to INSEE data reported by Le Figaro. For the first ten months of 2025, the birth rate fell by 2.3% from the previous year, reflecting a sustained demographic decline. The total number of births last year was 660,800, the lowest since the end of World War II. Regions such as Hauts-de-France experienced a sharp drop of 4.3% in births, though some areas like Pays de la Loire, La Réunion, and Mayotte saw slight increases. Notably, May 2025 marked a historic point when deaths outnumbered births for the first time since 1945, though between January and September 2025, births (483,496) still slightly exceeded deaths (479,830). This continuing fall represents a roughly 20% decrease in birth rates since 2010.

In response, the French National Assembly has launched an inquiry into the causes and impacts of the demographic decline, with a report expected in January 2026. President Emmanuel Macron has highlighted the severity of the issue. The Senate recently approved new birth leave measures providing parents an additional two months to welcome a child, aimed at supporting families. Furthermore, from December 1, the Complement of Free Choice of Childcare will now be accessible to each parent, widening support for childcare expenses.

As France grapples with these demographic challenges, these steps show an effort by the government to encourage childbirth and provide enhanced family support amid an ongoing natality crisis.