Overview

• The UNFPA report draws on YouGov polling of over 14,000 adults in 14 countries, revealing that about one in five expect to have fewer children than they want.
• Economic constraints emerged as the leading barrier, with 39% of respondents saying financial limitations would affect their ability to realize their desired family size.
• Statistics Canada data show Canada’s fertility rate fell to a record low of 1.26 children per woman in 2023, its second year among ‘lowest‐low‐fertility’ nations.
• President Trump has proposed baby bonuses and tax-deferred savings accounts for newborns, but experts caution that incentives alone lack the comprehensive support families need.
• Researchers and advocates call for a combination of paid parental leave, accessible fertility care, affordable childcare and flexible work policies to help individuals achieve their family goals.