by UNFPA
Millions of people around the world are unable to have the number of children they want – whether they want more, fewer, or none at all.
Recently, fertility declines are making headlines, with women all too often blamed for these demographic shifts. Some governments are employing drastic measures to incentivize young people to make fertility decisions in line with national targets.
But the real crisis is that the most consequential reproductive decision a human being can make – when, whether and with whom to have a child – is being undermined.
Unpacking barriers to choice
Together with YouGov, UNFPA conducted a survey of 14 countries to ask people whether they are having the families they desire. We found that alarmingly high proportions of adults are unable to realize their fertility intentions.
- Nearly 20 per cent of reproductive-age adults believe they will be unable to have the number of children they desire.
- Nearly 1 in 3 have experienced an unintended pregnancy.
- 39 per cent reported that financial limitations had affected or would affect their ability to realize their desired family size.
- Nearly 1 in 5 said fears about the future, such as climate change, environmental degradation, wars and pandemics, would lead or had led to them having fewer children than desired.
- Nearly 1 in 4 have felt unable to fulfil their desire for a child at their preferred time.
Youth testimonials
Young people overwhelmingly report worries and uncertainty about their futures. Many expect to experience worse outcomes than their parents did. Their concerns about climate change, economic instability and rising global conflicts will be reflected in the choices they make about raising families.
“I want children, but it’s becoming more difficult as time passes by. It is impossible to buy or have affordable rent in my city. I also would not like to give birth to a child in war times and worsened planetary conditions, if that means the baby would suffer because of it.”
Anonymous Female, 29, Mexico
“The future feels bleak despite the measures being taken by the government. Moreover, a lot of policies worldwide are against women’s healthcare. I feel that this pushes us to stay single and have no children.”
Anonymous Female, 31, Philippines
“Before I bring a child into this world, I have to fight for the right to do so on my own terms – for same-sex marriage, for surrogacy, for adoption rights and parental recognition – where I am from. Because this isn’t just my fight. It’s the fight of billions of young people trapped in systems that deny them the rights and the dignity they deserve.”
Roman, Male, 26, Azerbaijan
“I have one child but don’t plan on having any more. I am unable to do so due to financial instability, precarious employment, unaffordable housing and the high cost of childcare and education.”
Anonymous Female, 29, Zambia
”Bringing a child into the world is only one step. The real challenge is raising them. And for a favourable upbringing, there must be a good environment and infrastructure”
Anonymous Male, 30, Paraguay
Planning for families
Solutions that do not place reproductive choice at the centre have been proven, time and time again, to fail.
Our goal should not be to engineer fertility rates, but to provide individuals with the information and the means to decide freely and responsibly on the number, spacing and timing of their children.
Quality healthcare
A healthy society means ensuring that mothers and children can obtain affordable, accessible and quality healthcare.
Partners who share the load
Individuals need caring, supportive partners who will share the load of childbearing equitably.
Financial security
To plan for the future, individuals must feel secure in their economic situation and trust that they find an affordable place to live for themselves and their families.
Solidarity between generations
When individuals trust their political system to prioritize future investments beyond the next election cycle, they will feel secure in planning for the next generation.
A world worth planning for
Many people would choose to have children if they could be sure the world they are bringing them into offered a clean environment, a healthy economy and a safe place to live.
The real solution to the crisis of reproductive agency we are facing is to build a more equitable, sustainable and caring world that supports individuals to have the families they aspire to.
A world that we can be proud for the next generation to inherit.
Download the report here