UNFPA: Economic Hardship Drives Declining Fertility Rates

A new survey by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reveals that economic hardship, not feminism, is the primary cause of declining global fertility rates. The survey gathered responses from 108,000 internet-connected adults aged 18 to 39 across 73 countries and territories.

The report, released on Tuesday, indicates that the average number of births per woman has decreased from around five in the 1950s and 1960s to just above two in 2024, with projections suggesting a fall to 1.8 by 2100. Despite this trend, the desire for parenthood remains strong, with 79% of men and 72% of women aged 35 to 39 without children expressing a wish to become parents.

The report challenges the notion that feminism is to blame for declining fertility, noting that many women lack reproductive autonomy. Approximately one in ten women cannot make decisions about contraception, and a quarter cannot refuse sex.

Dien Keita, Executive Director of UNFPA, emphasized the need to address financial barriers to support young people's aspirations for family life.