The world’s population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, but despite the concerns, many people are not having the number of children they want due to various reasons such as financial worries, lack of reproductive choice, and social pressures.
A recent report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) found that around one in five people say they won’t be able to have the number of children they would like. Most expect to have fewer or no children at all, while some want more than they wish.
The main reasons for this lack of choice include economic anxiety, inadequate family-friendly workplaces, and limited access to reproductive health services. Women often bear a greater load of childcare and domestic duties, making it difficult for them to balance their career and family responsibilities.
To address the real fertility crisis, policymakers need to prioritize providing full reproductive agency to individuals. This includes improving access to affordable fertility care, supportive partners, and paid family leave. By doing so, countries can promote equality, hope, and security among all people.
The current approach of trying to make people have more babies has proven ineffective and often leads to coercion, human rights violations, and a decrease in reproductive autonomy. Instead, policymakers should focus on expanding reproductive choice, supporting inclusive policies that empower marginalized groups, and respecting individual choices.
Ultimately, the real fertility crisis is not about desire, but lack of choice. By listening to what people need and providing them with support, policymakers can promote healthy families and communities.
Source: https://www.unfpa.org/news/fertility-fallacy-five-things-you-didn%E2%80%99t-know-about-global-fertility-rates