[The decline of fertility in Western Europe. III. Some considerations on future evolution and on policy measures aiming at supporting fertility (author's transl)].
The analysis of recent fertility trends in France lead to hold as plausible that women born after 1950 will not reach replacement level. On the other hand, the period total fertility rate, which has not fallen as low as those observed in some neighbouring countries, might well continue to decline and thus disturb the alimentation of age-pyramid, despite its slower decrease in the course of 1976. Considering present fertility situation in France, an action of the State appears to be desirable. The factors which condition fertility fall largely out of the range of well-established knowledge. Though, it seems that they are deeply rooted in collective consciousness and that the possibilities they leave to voluntary action on fertility trends is relatively modest. Moreover, to be efficient, the means used must be important. The lines of possible action seem, in our view, to relate to two main fields: research of a better conciliation of professional activity and motherhood, increase of family benefits for second but specially for third and following children.
D001723:Birth Rate; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011158:Population Growth; D011247:Pregnancy; D011632:Public Assistance; D012939:Social Planning
La baisse de la fécondité en Europe occidentale. III. Considérations sur l'évolution future et sur les moyens d'une politique de soutien à la natalité.