While the resources earmarked for perinatal policy are increasing (€9.3 billion in 2021, up 9 % on 2016) and the birth rate is falling (-5.3 % over the same period), the health results observed call into question the efficiency of the allocated resources. The main perinatal health indicators - stillbirths, neonatal mortality and maternal mortality - show that France performs very poorly compared with other European countries. France ranks 22ndout of 34 European countries in terms of neonatal mortality. In this report, perinatal care is defined as the period from the end of the first trimester of pregnancy to the child's first birthday. The end of pregnancy and the first few months after giving birth are a delicate period for infant development. Many factors determine their physical and psychological well-being and their emotional and cognitive development. Their effects can be immediate but can also be manifest throughout an individual's life and have considerable consequences for healthcare costs. In this context, the evaluation of public policy with regard to perinatal care continues and further develops previous work by the Court of Accounts on maternal and child health and the organisation of care in this area.
