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India’s Fertility Rate Falls Below Replacement Level as Population Tops 1.46 Billion

UNFPA warns that widespread financial constraints, poor healthcare access, limited childcare services undermine Indians’ freedom to determine family size.

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Overhead view of an affectionate young Asian couple sitting on the bed, holding hands and holding a positive pregnancy test together. It's finally happening. The long-awaited news. Life events, fertility and family concept

Overview

  • India’s total fertility rate declined to 1.9 births per woman in 2025, dipping below the replacement threshold of 2.1, according to UNFPA.
  • A UNFPA–YouGov survey finds that 36% of Indian adults experienced unintended pregnancies while 30% report unfulfilled desires for more or fewer children.
  • Nearly 40% of respondents cited financial limitations as the primary barrier to parenthood, with job insecurity, housing shortages and childcare deficits also restricting reproductive choices.
  • Fertility rates exceed replacement levels in Bihar (3.0 births), Meghalaya (2.9) and Uttar Pradesh (2.7) while falling below 2.1 in 31 states and union territories.
  • An estimated 27.5 million couples face infertility amid limited public-sector services and high private-care costs concentrated in urban centres.