Infant mortality rates rise in France

Infant mortality rates in France have risen significantly over the last decade. According to data from Insee, the mortality rate reached 4.1 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024 and approximately 4.0 in 2025, compared to a low of 3.5 in 2011. This upward trend is largely concentrated within the first 27 days of life.

France's performance has fallen behind the European Union average. Since 2015, the French rate has exceeded the EU average, which stood at 3.3 per 1,000 in 2023. An Inspection générale des affaires sociales (IGAS) report described the situation as a “considerable excess of neonatal and infant mortality.”

The release of the IGAS report, which was completed in January 2026, faced delays and was not made public until August 4, 2026. Reports suggest that Health Minister Stéphanie Rist may have withheld the publication for seven months until its existence was revealed by the press.