One figure alone sums up the scale of the phenomenon. According to a video published on Instagram by Olivier Marpeau, gynecological surgeon, “in 2010 there were 828,000 births, in 2025 only 645,000“. For the first time since the Second World War, the country is recording more deaths than births. This development raises many questions about the root causes of the decline in the birth rate and its consequences for the years to come.
Fertility, age of first child… The causes of the decline in the birth rate
The decrease in the number of births is partly explained by increasing difficulties in conceiving a child. The expert thus recalls that “15 to 25% of couples are infertile“. Infertility is defined as the absence of pregnancy after a year of regular attempts and concerns both men and women.
Among the factors highlighted is also the decline in the frequency of sexual intercourse. According to the cited data, “around 43% of French people have at least one report per week“, compared to 58% in 2009. This development mechanically reduces the chances of conception within many couples.
The age at which the French become parents also plays an important role. The average age of the first child has now reached 31 years for women and 34 years for men. However, fertility naturally declines over time, which can complicate parental plans and reduce the number of children per family.
Why do the French have fewer children?
The question goes far beyond the medical framework. Dr. Marpeau gives a straightforward observation: “it’s certain, people don’t want to have children anymore“.
Several elements can explain this development. The cost of education, housing expenses or even concerns about the future are obstacles regularly mentioned by couples. Later entry into professional life and the search for financial stability before starting a family also contribute to this phenomenon.
Individual priorities have also evolved over generations. Life paths are diversifying, while the plan to have children often comes later than before.
A demographic transformation with lasting consequences
The decline in the birth rate could have significant repercussions on the organization of French society. A lower number of births influences school enrollment, the labor market and the balance between generations in the long term.
Faced with this trend, some observers believe that an adaptation of the economic and social model will be necessary. The discussion relayed in the video even mentions the risk “to go straight into the wall” if no thought is given to the living conditions of future families.