Young People from Large Families in France: “You Never Feel Alone” / For Life magazine no 15, 2026

by Nectaria Vlăescu

In the summer of 2025, I participated in a pro-life camp in France where, together with my friend Teodora, I spoke with several young people from large families about the blessing of growing up in such a family, about the joys but also the challenges they encounter, and about the fight for life they carry on in a society that has largely lost its moral bearings.

What is it like to live in such a large family?

“Family life is truly a life full of joy and love. Without my siblings, I would not be the person I am today; it helps you grow. We teach the younger ones many things, and they also teach us a great deal.” (Mathilde, three siblings)

“There is a strength in large families; you never feel alone.” (Anastasius, seven siblings)

“We have a bond with our brothers and sisters that we do not have with others because we did not choose them. The family is the place of unconditional love, even when we make mistakes.” (Marie-Lys, four siblings)

Where do you think your parents found the strength to raise so many children?

“My parents are a true model of love for me. They managed to raise the four of us thanks to this love.” (Mathilde, three siblings)

“I believe it is a grace given by God. Since He granted my parents to have so many children, it means He considered them capable of fulfilling this mission.” (Anastasius, seven siblings)

“They received every life that was offered to them with great love. In fact, starting with the third child, the fourth, the fifth, it became easier and easier.” (Capucine, eight siblings)

What would you say to parents who are afraid they would not be able to handle an unexpected child?

“To let that unpredictability become a strength. Even if the child comes unexpectedly, it is a mission, it is a true gift from God.” (Anastasius, seven siblings)

“The child is already here, even if the pregnancy is still ongoing. I believe we must know how to face unforeseen situations, because every pregnancy has an aspect that surprises us. And perhaps we are not ready to receive the child immediately when we find out about the pregnancy, but, after nine months, there can be growth. We must have courage!” (Clothilde, six siblings)

Why are you pro-life?

“For the simple and good reason that every life deserves to be lived. We do not have the right to say who is legitimate to live, and who is not.” (Anastasius, seven siblings)

“I cannot consider that this human being is more or less human than another. And since I am against taking the life of a person who is already born, whether 20, 30, or 50 years old, the same applies before birth.” (Capucine, eight siblings)

“A human life begins at conception. It is enough to look at the scientific definitions of a fetus, and we shall immediately see that it is a human being. And I believe it is a destruction of our nature to resort to abortion. It is something that wounds us deeply.” (Marie, five siblings)