France's Macron seeks to carry baby-making plan to term

President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed his intention to tackle France’s infertility “scourge” by offering everyone around the age of 20 free fertility tests during routine medical checks and by improving access to medically assisted procreation (PMA). 

President Emmanuel Macron of France wants free fertility tests to be offered to men and women just out of their teens during routine medical checks. AFP - LOIC VENANCE

In an interview with Elle magazine published on Wednesday, Macron elaborated on plans announced in January for a so-called demographic rearmament. 

France has long taken pride in its relatively high birth rate – described as a French exception in Europe.

But recent fertility patterns have challenged the nation's reputation as the leading producer of babies on the continent. 

While the birthrate has been in decline for a decade, in 2023 it dropped by 7 percent on the previous year. 

• France's ageing population is having fewer babies and living longer than ever

Agency

Conceding that women should have agency over their own bodies, Macron said the existing birthrate of 1.8 was, nonetheless, far off the country’s desired rate of 2.3. 

“The poor organisation of our society must not prevent women and families from having children if they wish,” Macron told Elle.

He added that many couples wanted to become parents but were unable to do so. 

A laboratory staff member prepares a thawed ovum to process for a medically assisted procreation procedure at the Groupe Hospitalier Diaconesses Croix Saint-Simon fertility centre, in Paris. AFP - JULIEN DE ROSA

“We must not make those who don't want children feel guilty,” said Macron, who does not have children.

Under the new fertility scheme, young people would be able to test things like sperm count and ovarian egg reserves, while there would be a campaign to help women who wanted to have children later in life freeze their eggs.  

The moves would be part of a wider research program on infertility, as well as better paid parental leave from 2025. 

• French told to have more babies in 'national pact' to save society

Private egg-freezing

To reduce waiting times for access to PMA, which stands at between 16 and 24 months, Macron intends to open egg-freezing to private centres. Until now the procedure has been reserved for hospitals. 

The head of state, however, repeated his opposition to surrogacy, which he said was not compatible with the dignity of women and, rather, a way to commodify their bodies. 

When Macron announced his demographic rearmament proposal, it set off a strong reaction. Some women said the government should not be pressuring them to think about fertility so early.  

Others said it shifted blame for the falling birthrate onto women. They urged the government to focus on making it more affordable to have children. 

Meanwhile the government has been criticised for working to promote the French birthrate while at the same time enacting a hardline anti-immigration law.