UN Report Reveals Unprecedented Fertility Decline: Time and Money Are Key Barriers

Global Fertility Rates Plummet: UN Report Highlights Financial and Time Constraints The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has released a report revealing an unprecedented decline in global fertility rates. The report, based on a survey of 14,000 people across 14 countries, indicates that millions of people are unable to have their desired number of children due to prohibitive costs and lack of time. The countries surveyed represent a third of the global population, spanning various income levels and age groups. "Most people surveyed want two or more children," says Dr. Natalia Kanem, head of UNFPA. "Fertility rates are falling in large part because many feel unable to create the families they want. And that is the real crisis." The survey highlights that in all countries surveyed, 39% of people cited financial limitations as a barrier to having children. The lack of time is also a significant factor, as evidenced by the experience of Namrata in Mumbai, who spends at least three hours daily commuting, leaving her exhausted and with little time for her daughter. "After a working day, you have that guilt, being a mom, that you're not spending enough time with your kid," she says. Experts warn against using this data to justify restrictive policies. Professor Stuart Gietel-Basten emphasizes the need to avoid "panicky policies," stating that low fertility is being used as an excuse to implement nationalist and anti-migrant agendas. The UNFPA's report serves as a wake-up call, urging policymakers to address the underlying economic and social factors driving the decline in fertility rates.