France's Pronatalist Push: From 'Get Pregnant' Memos to Egg Freezing Letters
France is embarking on a controversial national campaign to address its declining birth rate, which has fallen to 1.56 babies per woman—the lowest level since 1918. As part of a 16-point plan, the government is sending letters to all 29-year-olds, reminding them of their fertility windows and reproductive health options. This initiative aims to prevent future regrets by encouraging proactive family planning, according to health officials.
The French Strategy: Education and Medical Support
The letters target 29-year-olds specifically because French law allows women at this age to freeze their eggs without a medical certificate. France leads globally in supporting elective fertility treatments: its social security system covers the cost of egg freezing and conservation for women aged 29 to 37. This contrasts sharply with the UK, where NHS-funded egg freezing is only available for medical reasons, such as prior to cancer treatment, leaving others to face costs exceeding £5,000 plus storage fees.
Notably, the letters are being sent to both young men and women, challenging the stereotype that fertility concerns only affect those without a Y chromosome. A ministry official emphasized, "The biological clocks are not the same, but men have one too." However, some recipients, like 29-year-old Parisian comedian Paul Brunstein-Compard, have criticized the approach as infantilizing, accusing the government of "treating them like children."
Global Fertility Decline and Socioeconomic Barriers
Fertility rates have been falling worldwide for decades, with over half of all countries now below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman. South Korea and Taiwan report rates below 1 per woman, while England and Wales hit a record low of 1.44 in 2023. The decline is driven by complex socioeconomic factors, as highlighted by 29-year-old Lydia Spencer-Elliott, who cited eviction, unaffordable housing, student loans, and inflation as barriers to starting a family.
France's drop has been particularly sharp, falling from 1.99 in 2013 to 1.66 by 2023. President Emmanuel Macron has labeled the effort "demographic rearmament," supporting policies like free fertility checks for 18- to 25-year-olds, extended parental leave, and expanded access to IVF for single women and lesbian couples. However, surrogacy remains excluded, with Macron deeming it incompatible with women's dignity.
International Pronatalist Efforts and Their Limitations
Other nations are also implementing pronatalist strategies. South Korea established a government ministry to address its "national emergency" low birth rate, increasing parental leave and flexible work options. In the US, the Make America Mate Again movement under President Donald Trump aims to expand IVF access and reduce costs, with proposals including $5,000 incentives for new mothers.
Despite these efforts, few schemes have successfully reversed demographic trends. They often fail to address broader issues like finding suitable partners or environmental factors affecting sperm quality. In the UK, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has expressed concern over falling birth rates but concrete policies remain scarce. The UK ranks as the third-most expensive country for childcare globally, and single women lack access to free NHS fertility treatments like IVF.
The Fine Line Between Carrot and Stick
Pronatalist discussions sometimes veer into punitive measures. Reform UK candidate Matt Goodwin proposed a "negative child benefit tax" on childfree individuals, suggesting extra taxation as punishment. While policies that reduce the financial burden of parenthood are beneficial, experts warn that coercive tactics, like warning twentysomethings they are "running out of time," may backfire, driving people away from family planning altogether.
Ultimately, parenthood should remain a personal choice, supported by informed decisions rather than government pressure. As global fertility rates continue to decline, the balance between encouragement and enforcement will be critical in shaping future demographic policies.
