Economic Pressures, Not Feminism, Driving Down Global Birth Rates, UN Reports

A fresh worldwide study conducted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is challenging popular beliefs regarding the decrease in global fertility. The survey concludes that financial difficulties, rather than a rejection of family life, feminist ideals, or self-centeredness, are the primary factors limiting young people's ability to start families.

The findings, derived from the Demographic Futures Survey, gathered insights from over 108,000 internet-connected adults aged 18 to 39 across 73 nations and territories. A report published on Tuesday, obtained by our correspondent from the UN website, indicates that public discourse on falling fertility has often missed the mark. It suggests the debate should focus on "what conditions are needed for them to form relationships and raise children," rather than questioning "whether young people still value family life."

Data from the UN cited in the report reveals a significant drop in the average number of births per woman, from approximately five in the 1950s and 1960s to just over two in 2024. Projections suggest this figure will further decrease to 1.8 by the year 2100. Currently, more than 55 percent of countries and territories report fertility levels below the replacement rate of 2.1 births per woman.

Despite these trends, the survey found that the aspiration for parenthood remains strong. A majority of respondents already have children, and among childless adults aged 35 to 39, 79 percent of men and 72 percent of women expressed a desire to become parents.

The report also refutes claims that feminism is responsible for the decline in fertility, noting that many women still lack autonomy over their reproductive choices. According to UNFPA, roughly one in ten women cannot make decisions about contraception, about a quarter are unable to decide on their own healthcare, and approximately a quarter cannot refuse sex.

While men and women generally shared similar perspectives on family-related decisions, women consistently identified barriers such as financial worries, infertility, and chronic health conditions as more significant obstacles than men did. UNFPA also dismissed the notion that young adults are unwilling to become parents. The report explicitly states, "most people are not selfishly refusing to become parents, nor are they waiting for babies to promise a better return on investment.” Instead, respondents most frequently cited the happiness and joy children bring as their motivation for wanting to have them.

Diene Keita, Executive Director of UNFPA, remarked, “Young people carry an inspiring sense of hope and a clear vision for their families and futures.” The report concluded, “When we break down financial barriers and support their agency, they can make the choices that are right for them. By investing in their dreams today, we are building a more resilient and thriving tomorrow.”