History

The Medal of the French Family was established on May 26, 1920. It was created after the First World War to recognize mothers of large families who had raised children alone during, and after, the War. It also served as an encouragement to raise large families following the losses France had suffered during the War.

The Medal has undergone a number of different changes over the years. Originally, it had three grades. The Bronze Medal was awarded to mothers of 4 or 5 children, the Silver Medal to mothers of 6 or 7 children, and the Gold Medal to mothers of 8 or more children. In 1983 the Medal was modified to include fathers and other caregivers who had raised several children. In 2013 the Medal was reduced to one bronze grade.

There are multiple versions of the Medal. The first three versions have an obverse inscription that translates to “French Family,” and a reverse inscription that translates to “The Grateful Fatherland, French Republic.” They vary in reverse inscription according to the awarding ministry which include the Ministry of Public Health (MINISTÈRE DE LA SANTÉ PUBLIQUE), the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MINISTÈRE DE LA SANTÉ PUBLIQUE ET DE LA POPULATION), and the Ministry of Hygiene (MINISTÈRE DE L’HYGIÈNE). The fourth version was introduced on March 28, 1985. It has an obverse inscription that translates to “French Family,” and an obverse inscription that translates to “French Republic.”

There may be additional versions that vary in size.