Global fertility rates in steep decline, UN warns of unmet family goals

Tuesday 10 June 2025 - 10:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Global fertility rates in steep decline, UN warns of unmet family goals

A new report from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reveals an unprecedented global decline in fertility rates, driven by economic pressures, lack of time, and societal constraints. The study highlights a growing gap between people's desire to have children and their ability to do so, signaling a major demographic shift with profound implications.

Financial strain and societal pressures hinder parenthood

Namrata Nangia, a pharmaceutical professional in Mumbai, represents a growing global trend. She and her husband have hesitated to have a second child due to the rising costs of raising their first, including school fees, extracurricular activities, and everyday expenses. “It’s overwhelming,” says Nangia, reflecting on how parenthood has become significantly more expensive than when she was growing up.

Her experience mirrors findings from the UNFPA survey, which collected responses from 14,000 individuals across 14 countries, representing one-third of the global population. The results show that one in five respondents has fewer children than they desire or expects to fall short of their family goals.

In all surveyed countries, 39% of participants cited financial limitations as the primary barrier to parenthood. The issue was most pronounced in South Korea (58%), while Sweden reported the lowest figure (19%). These findings underline the universal challenge of balancing economic realities with family aspirations.

A global fertility crisis takes shape

UNFPA describes the situation as a “real crisis,” with fertility rates dropping across low-, middle-, and high-income nations alike. “Most people want two or more children, but many feel unable to create the families they want. That’s the heart of the issue,” says Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNFPA’s executive director.

The survey reveals that a lack of time is an even greater obstacle than finances. For many, including Nangia, long working hours and exhausting commutes leave little room for family life. “After a working day, you feel guilty as a parent for not spending enough time with your child,” she admits.

Additionally, only 12% of respondents cited infertility as a reason for having fewer children than desired, though this figure was higher in certain countries, such as Thailand (19%), the US (16%), and South Africa (15%).

Avoiding reactionary policies

The UNFPA cautions against extreme or reactionary responses to declining fertility, such as restrictive migration policies or gender-conservative measures. Dr. Kanem notes that countries historically concerned with overpopulation, such as China, South Korea, and Thailand, are now facing depopulation challenges. “We must avoid panic-driven policies that could lead to harmful outcomes,” she warns.

Demographer Prof. Stuart Gietel-Basten echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need for balanced, thoughtful approaches. He points to the dangers of using fertility declines as justification for nationalist agendas or coercive family planning measures.

The path forward

The report calls for nuanced, supportive policies to address the complex factors behind declining fertility. These include promoting work-life balance, improving access to affordable childcare, and fostering equitable opportunities for all genders in family and professional life.

For individuals like Nangia, such measures could ease the pressures of parenthood and help families achieve their aspirations. The challenge, UNFPA argues, is ensuring that people everywhere can create the lives—and families—they envision, without facing insurmountable barriers.