The Birth of the First Child

Abstract

The diffusion of contraception and the legalization of abortion have made birth control a much simpler matter: people can now choose the timing of their entry into parenthood. This study first focuses on the context in which intentions to have a first child are expressed in France: in addition to the question of age, certain conjugal and occupational situations seem more favourable to the expression of a desire to become a parent. It then draws a comparison between stated fertility intentions in France in 2005 and realizations 3 years later, based on longitudinal data from the GGS survey, identifying the situations most favourable to realizing plans for parenthood. The results bring to light some of the conditions to be satisfied before deciding to become parents and, indirectly, outlines the main features of the “procreative norm” in France.