What the patient has to pay is close to zero, even with anesthesia (which is more or less compulsory -- you would have to make a big scene to avoid it) and complications.
If you want a doctor to attend (instead of simply a midwife) you have to pay him out of pocket (but if you have private insurance it might cover that too).
What it costs to the French medical system is anyone's guess. The French medical system is financed by the taxpayer. In theory, it's financed by a tax on salaries, but since it's in perpetual deficit and the deficit is covered by the state, it's in fact paid for by the taxpayer -- which is just as well, since everyone is covered.
It's a system of fully socialized medecine; there are pros and cons to such a system; it's not all good, but it's certainly not as bad as the American system (before or after Obamacare).
If you want a doctor to attend (instead of simply a midwife) you have to pay him out of pocket (but if you have private insurance it might cover that too).
What it costs to the French medical system is anyone's guess. The French medical system is financed by the taxpayer. In theory, it's financed by a tax on salaries, but since it's in perpetual deficit and the deficit is covered by the state, it's in fact paid for by the taxpayer -- which is just as well, since everyone is covered.
It's a system of fully socialized medecine; there are pros and cons to such a system; it's not all good, but it's certainly not as bad as the American system (before or after Obamacare).