A global fertility gap is emerging, with hundreds of millions of people unable to have the number of children they desire due to financial constraints and a lack of suitable partners, according to a new report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Key Findings
- The agency surveyed 14,000 people in 14 countries, representing a third of the global population.
- One in five respondents had not had or expected they wouldn’t have their desired number of children.
Insights from UNFPA
Dr. Natalia Kanem, head of UNFPA, highlighted that most people surveyed wanted two or more children but felt unable to create the families they desired due to financial constraints and other factors. She stated:
"Most people want two or more kids. But we’re seeing that many are not able to create families as big as they would like."
Demographic Observations
Demographer Anna Rotkirch noted a significant trend:
- There is more undershooting than overshooting of fertility ideals globally.
- Many respondents expressed a desire for more children but felt it was not possible.
Financial Constraints
Financial limitations were cited as a major obstacle preventing individuals from having additional children across all surveyed countries. However, responses varied significantly between regions:
- In Korea, nearly 60% of respondents cited financial limitations as an issue.
- In Sweden, only 20% reported this concern.
Infertility as a Factor
Infertility was identified as a limiting factor for family size by less than half (12%) of respondents, compared to nearly three-quarters (73%) who cited financial concerns. Notable exceptions include:
- Thailand: Nearly 20% attributed infertility as an issue.
- South Africa: Just over 33% did so.
Conclusion
Prof. Stuart Gietel-Basten at Hong Kong University’s School of Public Health remarked:
"This is the first time [the UN] have really gone all-out on low fertility issues. Until recently, the agency focused heavily on women who had more kids than they wanted and unmet need for contraception."
This report sheds light on the complex interplay of financial and social factors affecting family planning decisions worldwide.
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