UNFPA survey links declining global fertility to economic hardship, not feminism or lack of desire for children
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
A new global survey by the UN Population Fund UNFPA indicates that economic constraints are the primary reason for declining fertility rates, rather than a rejection of family life, feminism, or selfishness. The Demographic Futures Survey, which included over 108,000 internet-connected adults aged 18 to 39 across 73 countries, found that public debate often misidentifies the causes of falling fertility. UN data shows a significant drop in the average number of births per woman, from around five in the 1950s and 1960s to just over two in 2024, with projections to fall to 1.8 by 2100. Despite these trends, the desire for parenthood remains strong, with most respondents wanting children. Among childless adults aged 35 to 39, 79 percent of men and 72 percent of women still expressed a desire to become parents. The report also refutes claims that feminism is responsible for declining fertility, noting that many women still lack autonomy over their reproductive lives. Financial concerns, infertility, and chronic health conditions were cited as significant barriers, with women rating these as more impactful than men did. UNFPA emphasized that most people are not refusing to become parents selfishly, but rather seek the joy and happiness children bring. Diene Keita, Executive Director of UNFPA, stated that removing financial barriers and supporting agency can enable young people to make choices that are right for them, contributing to a more resilient future.
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