France's perinatal mortality challenge in European health rankings
France ranks favorably in EU perinatal mortality but faces domestic crisis driven by premature births and regional inequality.
Event / Health
France Perinatal Mortality Rise
France's perinatal mortality rate increased to 11.2 per 1,000 births in 2024, continuing an upward trend since 2021. The increase is primarily driven by premature births and influenced by maternal age, multiple pregnancies, and socioeconomic factors. Significant geographic and socioeconomic disparities exist, with overseas regions recording 60% higher mortality than mainland France.
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2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 7 Jul, 07:52 UTC
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What happened
France ranks low in perinatal mortality among European Union countries
France's perinatal mortality performance has deteriorated significantly, with the country now ranking in the lower tier among European Union nations. This represents a reversal from the 1990s, when France was considered a leader in this health indicator.
France perinatal mortality rate reaches 11.2 per 1,000 births in 2024
France's perinatal mortality rate, defined as stillbirths or infant deaths within the first seven days of life, increased to 11.2 per 1,000 births in 2024. Out of 661,822 total births, 7,398 children were stillborn or died within their first week of life, according to data published by the Direction de la recherche, des études, de l'évaluation et des statistiques (Drees).
Socioeconomic disparities drive significant variation in French perinatal mortality
Perinatal mortality in France is significantly influenced by socioeconomic conditions. In 2024, the rate reached 12 per 1,000 births in the most disadvantaged communes, compared to 9.5 per 1,000 in the least disadvantaged. This disparity indicates that factors beyond medical risk factors contribute to the rising mortality trend.
Premature births account for 84% of perinatal deaths in France
Premature birth is the dominant factor in perinatal mortality, accounting for 84% of all perinatal deaths in France. Other risk factors include multiple births, maternal age under 20 years (18.1 per 1,000 births) or 40 years and older (17.6 per 1,000 births).
French perinatal mortality has increased since 2021, reversing earlier stability
Perinatal mortality in France has been increasing since 2021, with a particularly sharp rise in 2024. Between 2014 and 2021, the rate had fluctuated around 10.5 per 1,000 births, but has now exceeded 11 per 1,000, indicating a significant deterioration in this health indicator.
Guadeloupe's perinatal mortality rate is 2.3 times higher than Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Significant geographic disparities exist in French perinatal mortality rates. Guadeloupe recorded a rate of 21 per 1,000 births, while Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes had 9.3 per 1,000 births. Overall, overseas departments and regions averaged 60% higher perinatal mortality than mainland France.
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2 alternative perspectives
Wealth disparities create stark perinatal mortality gaps across French regions
Socioeconomic disparities create 2.3-fold perinatal mortality gaps between French regions.
Premature births drive France's rising perinatal mortality crisis
France's rising perinatal mortality is driven primarily by complications from premature births.