A new UN Population Fund (UNFPA) report warns of an 'unprecedented decline' in global fertility rates, stating that hundreds of millions cannot have their desired number of children. A survey of 14,000 people in 14 countries found prohibitive costs and lack of suitable partners are major barriers, with only 12% citing infertility. The UNFPA urges caution against 'panicky policies' to boost fertility.
World fertility rates in 'unprecedented decline' - UN
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A new UN Population Fund (UNFPA) report warns of an 'unprecedented decline' in global fertility rates, stating that hundreds of millions cannot have their desired number of children. A survey of 14,000 people in 14 countries found prohibitive costs and lack of suitable partners are major barriers, with only 12% citing infertility. The UNFPA urges caution against 'panicky policies' to boost fertility.
Trending- 1 Recently: UNFPA released a new report on global fertility decline.
- 2 Recently: UNFPA surveyed 14,000 people in 14 countries.
- 3 Later this year: Pilot survey to be expanded to 50 countries.
- 4 40 years ago: China, Korea, Japan, Thailand, Turkey worried about high populations.
- 5 2015: Same countries wanted to boost fertility.
- Global population ageing and stagnation
- Potential for 'panicky policies' (nationalist, anti-migrant, gender conservative)
- Individuals not achieving desired family size
- Increased focus on low fertility issues by UN agencies
What: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) released a report indicating an 'unprecedented decline' in global fertility rates, with many people unable to have their desired number of children due to financial limitations and lack of time/suitable partners.
When: Recently (new report), 40 years ago (China, Korea, Japan, Thailand, Turkey worried about high populations), 2015 (same countries wanted to boost fertility), later this year (pilot survey for research in 50 countries).
Where: Global, specifically surveyed countries: South Korea, Thailand, Italy, Hungary, Germany, Sweden, Brazil, Mexico, US, India, Indonesia, Morocco, South Africa, Nigeria. Example city: Mumbai.
Why: Fertility rates are falling because many people feel unable to create the families they want, primarily due to prohibitive costs of parenthood (school fees, extracurriculars, GP visits) and lack of time (long commutes, work-life balance).
How: UNFPA conducted a survey of 14,000 people in 14 countries. The report highlights financial limitations (39% globally, 58% in Korea, 19% in Sweden) and lack of time as key barriers.