Emmanuel Macron to enshrine women’s right to abortion in France
GuardianNOV 1 2023
France to Reform Parental Leave as Birth Rates Drop
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The Spin
Narrative A
France is taking immediate measures to stem the decline in the country's birth rate, even though, at 1.68 children per woman, it still has the highest fertility rate in Europe. Pres. Macron must be applauded for aiming to "re-arm French fertility," as the country can’t afford to go through a demographic collapse right now.
Narrative B
France, like the rest of Europe, has witnessed a healthy demographic transition since the French Revolution. While the reason for the change has been largely religious, the country enjoys considerable economic benefits of having fewer people. Lower fertility has meant rising living standards, which has kept France a strong nation. Macron's motivation for this policy change is not only economic — it's a political reaction to immigration.