Very few couples remain voluntarily childless.

Area of Science:

• Demography
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• Historical fertility declines were linked to increased infertility, sometimes misattributed to physiological factors.
• Contemporary France exhibits subtler signs of declining fertility, posing challenges in quantification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze current trends in French fertility and infertility.
• To investigate the distinction between involuntary infertility and voluntary childlessness.
• To understand the complexities of fertility behavior in modern societies.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of vital registration and census data.
• Utilization of ad hoc and general surveys.
• Application of estimation methods and fertility models to address data gaps.

Main Results:

• The study highlights the difficulty in defining a threshold for 'refusal to have children' due to advancements in sterility therapy.
• Quantitative analysis reveals discreet but significant shifts in fertility patterns.
• The research underscores the multifaceted nature of fertility decisions.

Conclusions:

• Understanding fertility behavior requires more than interpreting individual intentions; it necessitates robust demographic analysis.
• Current data limitations and evolving medical interventions complicate the precise measurement of voluntary childlessness.
• Further research using comprehensive demographic tools is essential for accurate fertility trend assessment.