Marlène Schiappa: “Miracle Baby” & Late Pregnancy Story
French Minister Marlène Schiappa Welcomes ‘Miracle Baby’ After Years of Uncertainty
Marlène Schiappa, a prominent figure in French politics, has welcomed her third child, a son, after a challenging journey to expand her family. The birth, which occurred in late October, marks a deeply personal victory for Schiappa and her husband, Matthias Savignac, president of the MGEN healthcare organization.
The couple, who met in New York City in late 2022, had initially been told that conceiving another child was unlikely. Medical professionals advised them to consider adoption, acknowledging the significant hurdles they faced. “They told us to grieve, to think about adoption,” Schiappa revealed in a recent interview. The news was particularly difficult given a previous miscarriage in 2021.
The unexpected pregnancy came to light during a routine yellow fever vaccination. “The center doesn’t vaccinate pregnant women,” Schiappa recounted, describing the moment she discovered she was expecting. Her husband, in the midst of a meeting, was initially alarmed by her urgent request to speak with him. “I was chairing a meeting when she told me: ‘Get out, I absolutely have to talk to you.’ She added: ‘Don’t worry…’ And I immediately worried!” Savignac recalled with a laugh.
Despite the initial joy, the pregnancy was closely monitored due to Schiappa’s age and previous loss. “When you’ve already been through this and the medical community predicts it will happen again, it’s difficult to simply be joyful,” she explained. The couple underwent numerous ultrasounds throughout the pregnancy, a testament to the cautious approach taken by healthcare providers.
Schiappa’s experience highlights a growing trend: delayed motherhood. According to data from the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), the average age of first-time mothers in France has steadily increased, reaching 30.4 years in 2022. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges, including increased risks associated with later pregnancies.
The labor itself was lengthy, lasting 36 hours. Schiappa reflected on the emotional weight of knowing this was likely her last child. “When you know it’s your last baby, it’s not the same… I keep thinking this is the last time I’ll breastfeed.”
Beyond motherhood, Schiappa remains committed to her political work. She is preparing for potential municipal elections in 2026 and is set to release a new book in January, La machosphère, which examines online violence against women – a critical issue impacting a growing number of individuals globally. The book aims to shed light on the pervasive nature of digital harassment and advocate for stronger protections for women online.
Schiappa’s story resonates with many women navigating the complexities of family planning and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life. Her openness about her journey serves as a reminder that even for those in positions of power, the path to parenthood can be fraught with uncertainty and emotional vulnerability.