Overview

• UN data shows the average fertility rate has dropped to under half its 1960s level and fallen below the 2.1 births-per-woman replacement threshold in most nations.
• The UNFPA report reveals nearly 20% of adults of reproductive age across 14 countries believe they will not achieve their intended number of children.
• Economic hurdles dominate the barriers to family planning, with 39% citing financial constraints, 19% housing shortages, 21% job insecurity and 12% lack of quality childcare.
• About 14% of respondents point to political or social instability and 9% to climate or environmental concerns as factors in reducing their planned family size.
• UNFPA leaders warn that the real crisis is unmet reproductive agency and urge governments to expand healthcare access, childcare support and legal protections.