Macron’s Initiative to Revive France’s Birth Rate with Parental Leave Reform and Infertility Plan

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced significant measures to address France’s declining birth rate, including reforming parental leave and launching a major plan to combat infertility. The announcement came following the release of the annual demographic report by the French National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), which showed a 6.6% drop in births in 2023 compared to 2022.

Macron emphasized the need to strengthen France by boosting its birth rate, once considered a national strength but has seen a decline in recent years. The proposed parental leave reform aims to replace the current system with a “better paid,” shorter leave that allows both parents to spend six months with their child, if desired. This reform, initially outlined by the solidarity and family minister in the summer of 2023, is set to take effect in 2025.

The current parental leave system, established in 1977 and reformed in 2014, allows parents to suspend their work until their child reaches three years of age. However, the low remuneration of €429 per month has led to only 14% of women and 1% of men utilizing this option, with the number of beneficiaries halving over the past decade. The new reform seeks to make parental leave more attractive and financially viable for families.

Details of the plan to combat infertility have not been fully disclosed, but it forms a crucial part of Macron’s strategy to address demographic challenges. The initiative is likely to encompass a range of measures aimed at supporting couples facing fertility issues and improving access to fertility treatments and related healthcare services.

President Macron’s approach represents a significant shift in addressing demographic trends, focusing on providing practical and financial support to encourage family growth. This initiative reflects a broader understanding of the complex social and economic factors contributing to declining birth rates and aims to create a more family-friendly environment in France.