Latest news with #TheRealFertilityCrisis
Sinar Daily
3 days ago
- General
- Sinar Daily
Malaysia's birth rate decline isn't about choice - it's about constraints
"MALAYSIA records fewest births ever, fuelling population decline concerns' 'Only three states in Malaysia produce enough babies to replace their populations' 'Malaysia's labour shortage due to declining birth rates' These media headlines capture common narratives around fertility rates. However, what they often obscure are the harsh realities individuals and couples grapple with when making decisions about their fertility, familiesand futures. Why is it that people all over the world, not just in Malaysia, are having fewer children? What are the reasons or conditions that are leading couples to have smaller families? Do people these days even want to have children? The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) recently commissioned an online survey to shed light on this issue, and the key finding is that people do want children. Most desire two or more, yet one in five said they do not expect to be able to form the families they desire or have the number of children they aspire to have. Why? Why are fertility aspirations not being met? The top three responses given to the survey were economic and financial hardships, gender inequality and worries about the future. The issue at hand is therefore not that people don't want to have children, but rather, they feel they can't due to the conditions surrounding them. The crisis is not about dropping fertility rates, declining birth rates or too few babies being born. The crisis is one of too little reproductive agency. Too many do not have the capacity to exercise informed, empowered decision-making over their reproduction. Too many are unable to realise their fertility aspirations. Too many are constricted in their choices. And choice extends beyond the ability to say yes or no to having children. Real choice is about having access to a full range of conditions that enables one to make a free and informed decision about whether to have children, and if yes, with whom, when, and how many. Barriers to reproductive agency The UNFPA survey, conducted by YouGov on more than 14,000 people across 14 countries, forms the basis of the latest edition of UNFPA's annual flagship State of World Population report, entitled The Real Fertility Crisis - the pursuit of reproductive agency in a changing world. UNFPA appreciates that this year's publication was launched in Malaysia by Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad, the Deputy Minister for Women, Family and Community Development, on behalf of the Minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, during a World Population Day commemoration event by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN). We could not agree more with the Deputy Minister's acknowledgement that young people want to have families but face real social and economic challenges. We further echo Minister for Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri's statement on the need for a supportive ecosystem that addresses obstacles to family formation. Economic Constraints In every one of the 14 countries surveyed for the 2025 UNFPA report, people cited economic constraints as the number one barrier to their reproductive agency. And while Malaysia was not part of this survey, the findings have much relevance to the prevailing context here. Almost two in five said financial limitations had led or were likely to lead them to have fewer children than initially desired. One in four said unemployment or job insecurity was a factor. One in four cited housing limitations, whether a lack of space or high costs, as a factor. Eleven years ago, in Lembaga Penduduk dan Pembangunan Keluarga Negara (LPPKN) Malaysian Population and Family Survey 2014, many surveyed said they were unable to fulfil their fertility desires. That survey found that the average number of children desired by married women was four, but their actual number of children was two to three. Similar to the UNFPA study, the LPPKN survey found that the number one barrier stopping Malaysian couples from having more children was financial constraints. LPPKN's 2024 survey is presently underway, and we eagerly await the results. Gender Inequity A second common thread was how gender inequality, specifically the unequal division of care work, deepens the fertility crisis. Across the 14 countries, one in 10 said that a lack of sufficient childcare options was a barrier. One in 10 also said having a partner who was not involved enough in housework or childcare led them to have fewer children. In the 2014 LPPKN study, 'childcare problems' was the biggest reason why Malaysian women respondents said they left the workforce. More than 34 per cent of working women said they needed childcare centres at their workplace. Last year, an Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) policy paper estimated that three million women had dropped out of the workforce or reduced their work hours to take care of children and/or older persons. Insufficient childcare facilities are causing women all over the world to cut short their careers while also holding them back from fulfilling their fertility aspirations. Anxiety about the Future A third theme in the UNFPA report survey was that one in five said worries and anxiety about the future had led or would lead them to have fewer children than desired. People, especially young people, who are optimistic about the future are more likely to pursue the lives they want for themselves and their families. However, global conflicts, economic instability, and climate disasters are causing many to fear that their world, and the world their children will inherit, will be less hopeful than the one their parents lived in. Beyond the conditions to enable them to make free and informed reproductive choices, people need to have trust in government and institutions, and hope that the future will be one where their choices are supported. Asking what matters Across modern history, governments have attempted to control fertility by demanding individuals align their reproductive decisions with the needs of the state, and of late they have opted for the 'baby bonus' financial incentives to encourage childbearing. What those incentives resulted in, our report found, is couples bringing forward the timing of births. In the long term, the strategy has not resulted in more births or reverse the downward trend of fertility rates. The desire for children remains high, as data from our report survey shows, and government interventions need to go beyond short-term solutions and one-off incentives. The emphasis and investment need to be directed towards addressing the fundamental misalignment of systems, environments, and policies with the lived realities of individuals. Baby bonuses do little to ensure long-term financial security, job security, income stability and adequate housing conditions - essential considerations when it comes to family formation. This is why UNFPA calls on governments to expand their focus beyond total fertility rates and fertility targets, and focus efforts instead on designing strategies that provide an enabling environment for fertility aspirations to be achieved. This entails, firstly, asking individuals, especially young people, about their desires and concerns. Leaders and policymakers then need to listen to their voices, understand their concerns, recognise their realities, and let that inform policymaking. We believe that Malaysia would benefit from a survey similar to the one in our 2025 State of World Population report. A survey asking young people - tomorrow's mothers and fathers - about their reproductive aspirations, their attitudes towards family planning, and what barriers are standing in the way of their family formation goals. Because, again, the first step to building trust around reproductive agency is to ask and listen. Only then can we design interventions to target the right issues without being misguided by assumptions. Malaysia, as the Asean chair and recently elected host of the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) secretariat, is incredibly well poised to demonstrate its leadership in enabling reproductive agency for all. Reproductive agency for all On a recent trip to a Jakun Orang Asli village, our team met 17-year-old Riah at a literacy programme on sexual and reproductive health and rights and gender-based violence prevention. Riah's story was that she had dropped out of secondary school during the Covid-19 pandemic after she did not have the means to keep up with online lessons. At 14, she found herself pregnant and later married her child's then 16-year-old father. Pregnant with her second child when we met her, the programme was Riah's first time learning about bodily autonomy, consent, gender stereotypes, contraception, common menstrual and reproductive health conditions, where to get help in the case of gender-based violence, and what the law says about all these issues. She was among the most engaged and enthusiastic participants, and told us she was 'very, very happy' to learn about things so relevant to her fertility, family and future. Riah's story underscores how life-transforming comprehensive sexuality education can be, and the importance of UNFPA's life-course approach. The life-course approach means investing early in age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education and then providing access to sexual and reproductive health and rights at reproductive age. At working age, individuals need to be able to access family planning and family-friendly policies. With this lifetime of reproductive agency, as they age, individuals would have accumulated the health, skills, and resources needed to age healthily and productively in their older years. As Malaysia navigates its demographic transitions and 13th Malaysia Plan goals, reproductive agency must be seen as central to the nation's development. This is because the pursuit of such agency, and not prescriptive fertility targets, is what will unlock both demographic resilience and individual wellbeing. As demonstrated in the 2025 State of World Population report, the pathway to reproductive agency lies in addressing economic and gender barriers, and in creating an enabling and trusting environment so that young people like Riah feel supported to have the families and futures they want. Dr Julitta Onabanjo is the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative Malaysia and Country Director for Thailand. The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of Sinar Daily.
News18
23-07-2025
- General
- News18
Why Are Global Birth Rates Falling So Fast? UN Report Reveals Alarming Answers
Last Updated: Among the key factors, skyrocketing living costs, persistent gender inequality, and growing uncertainty about the future are the biggest contributors. The global fertility rate is dropping more rapidly than experts anticipated. While many believe this trend stems from people simply losing interest in having children, a recent UN report published in June 2025 highlights deeper and more unexpected factors behind the crisis. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the issue is not just a lack of desire to have children, it is that many people cannot build the larger families they dream of. The report, titled 'The Real Fertility Crisis: The Pursuit of Reproductive Agency in a Changing World', identifies several critical reasons for the decline in birth rates. Among the key factors, skyrocketing living costs, persistent gender inequality, and growing uncertainty about the future are the biggest contributors. To support its findings, the UNFPA surveyed over 14,000 people across 14 countries on five continents, representing regions that account for 37% of the global population. Countries included in the study were South Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Italy, Hungary, Germany, Sweden, Brazil, Mexico, the United States, Morocco, South Africa, and Nigeria. Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of the UNFPA, expressed concern over the results. 'Most people surveyed want two or more children," she said, adding that with rising costs of living, climate change, and growing instability, they don't feel it's possible to build the families they hope for. 'And that is the real crisis," she said. 'Whether the policies are coercive or not, there are real risks to treating fertility rates as a faucet to be turned on or off," said Dr Karem. She pointed out at how many countries that are seeking to increase fertility have earlier worked to lower such rates. Interestingly, only 12% of respondents cited infertility or difficulty conceiving as a reason for not having children. A larger group, 19%, pointed to fears about the future, including the climate crisis and ongoing global conflicts. Economic instability was the biggest factor, cited by 21% of participants. In response, the UNFPA has urged governments to avoid imposing harsh or coercive population policies. Instead, it recommends addressing the root causes that deter people from having children. These include improving access to affordable housing, secure employment, paid parental leave, and comprehensive reproductive healthcare. Additionally, tackling gender inequality could empower individuals to make informed reproductive choices, allowing them to plan their families on their own terms. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments First Published: July 23, 2025, 21:24 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Ya Biladi
11-07-2025
- Health
- Ya Biladi
In Morocco, one in three people over 50 had fewer children than they wanted, UNFPA finds
In Morocco, one in three people over the age of 50 say they had fewer children than they had hoped for, with nearly half (47%) citing financial constraints as the primary reason. These findings were shared by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Morocco and the High Commission for Planning (HCP) to mark World Population Day, celebrated annually on July 11. The data was presented during a joint event in Rabat on Wednesday, alongside the launch of the UN's annual report on the state of the world population. According to a statement, the figures draw on academic research and new insights from a UNFPA/YouGov survey conducted in 14 countries, including Morocco. Titled «The Real Fertility Crisis: The Quest for Reproductive Autonomy in a Changing World», the report highlights a global phenomenon also visible in Morocco: millions of people are having fewer children than they would like—not by choice, but due to economic and social barriers. A Decline in Fertility, an Aging Population The Moroccan data shows a clear trend: people are having fewer children and living longer. The event served as a platform to reflect on current demographic dynamics and their implications, particularly in light of the preliminary results of Morocco's seventh General Population and Housing Census (RGPH), conducted in September 2024. In its presentation, «Demographic Situation and Prospects in Morocco», HCP noted that the country is nearing the end of its demographic transition and moving toward a model seen in more advanced economies, marked by slower natural population growth, falling fertility rates, and increased life expectancy. This shift is driven by a combination of factors: later marriage, greater use of contraception, improved healthcare, enhanced status of women, changing family norms, and growing economic pressures. Notably, HCP forecasts that the population aged 60 and above will grow at an annual rate of 3% between 2024 and 2030. By 2030, Morocco's elderly population is expected to reach 6.1 million, up from 5.1 million in 2024, representing 15.4% of the population (compared to 13.8% today). The number of people aged over 75 will also grow, reaching 1.4 million by 2030. This aging trend is expected to be more pronounced in urban areas. Not a «Demographic Collapse» Morocco's demographic shift mirrors a global reality : falling fertility and population aging are not signs of crisis, but indicators of change. These shifts highlight the growing need for investments in reproductive health, education, and economic inclusion, said Marielle Sander, UNFPA Representative in Morocco. «Contrary to alarmist headlines about demographic collapse», Sander explained, «the report reminds us that the real concern is not how many children people are having, but why they can't have as many as they want». She added: «Morocco, like many countries, stands at a demographic crossroads. The latest census confirms what we already observe: declining fertility, an aging population, accelerated urbanization, and increasingly diverse family structures». Sander called for urgent policy investments: «We must invest in education, especially for girls. We must bridge the gender gap in employment, where women's participation remains under 17%. And we must ensure that every young person has access to sexual and reproductive health services, so that the first pregnancy is a choice, not a consequence». Looking Ahead The event brought together experts from Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Royal Institute for Strategic Studies (IRES), Mohammed V University in Rabat, and the Policy Center for the New South. Their contributions helped identify promising policy pathways for addressing Morocco's demographic evolution. The event also celebrated the 50th anniversary of UNFPA's presence in Morocco, with the launch of a new visual paying tribute to intergenerational dialogue, strong family bonds, and the richness of Moroccan culture.
India Today
04-07-2025
- General
- India Today
India's fertility paradox
Fewer children may help defuse a population explosion, but that should be based on a couple's free and voluntary choice, not something thrust on them. This is the message coming from the latest United Nations Population Fund's 2025 State of World Population report, 'The Real Fertility Crisis'. It states that although India will remain the world's most populous country, its total fertility rate has fallen below the replacement level. It's not advocating panic—rather, calling attention to unmet reproductive needs, the report notes that millions are unable to achieve their desired fertility goals. The solution, it adds, lies in greater reproductive agency—the ability of individuals to make free, informed choices about sex, contraception and starting a family. - Ends advertisement
Express Tribune
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Real fertility crisis in Pakistan
Listen to article The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) launched the State of World Population report 2025 on June 12 in Nairobi. This year's theme focuses on 'The Real Fertility Crisis: The Pursuit of Reproductive Agency in a Changing World'. While the report does not present new insights into the skewed fertility trends that have divided the globe, it provides a novel perspective on addressing what many politicians consider an existential threat. In some developing nations such as Pakistan, population growth and size are often seen as primary barriers to development and economic prosperity. Conversely, while a significant decline in total fertility rates poses a challenge to economic stability in various developed countries — such as China, Japan, and the rapidly advancing economies of Southeast Asia — other nations have managed to maintain population growth despite low fertility. Countries like Australia, Canada, France, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Sweden, the UK and the US have consistently recorded fertility rates below replacement level of 2.1 yet are expected to continue growing beyond 2054 largely due to sustained immigration policies. Therefore, the concerns about fertility as an existential threat are largely overstated. The socioeconomic, geopolitical and environmental ramifications of both high and low fertility rates are considerable, necessitating a thorough examination of their underlying factors. In the short term, socioeconomic elements, particularly urbanisation and evolving childbearing practices, significantly influence fertility trends. Since fertility rates are associated with the demographic transition — a seemingly widespread phenomenon - the potential public health consequences are quite detrimental. Changes in fertility patterns have intensified concerns related to birth rates, prompting governments to explore various policy options concerning childbirth and family planning. To effectively address the challenge around fertility rates, it is essential to first dispel the common misconceptions. The foremost misconception is that the global fertility rate is so low that humanity faces the threat of extinction. The current world fertility rate is estimated to exceed 2.2, indicating that the world population is still growing. Another pervasive misconception about fertility is that religion is the primary driver of rapid population growth. Although religious organisations, such as the Catholic Church and Islamic Shariah courts, may officially oppose artificial birth control, there is mostly a notable gap between the official stances of religious leaders and the actual behaviours of their followers. A compelling example is the Islamic Republic of Iran, which implemented one of the most successful family planning initiatives in history, leading to a remarkable decrease in the country's fertility rate from 6.5 to 1.6. A third major myth is the assumption that slower or faster population growth inherently harms the economy. Economic wellbeing depends more on the human capital and quality of skills than on population size or growth — especially in the era of artificial intelligence. UNFPA conducted a survey of approximately 14,000 individuals across 14 countries, which together represent over 37% of the world's population. Most respondents expressed a desire to have two or more children. Notably, one in five individuals under the age of 50 fear they will not reach their ideal family size, while one in ten anticipate having fewer children than they would prefer — compared to only 7% who expect to have more. Among respondents over the age of 50, more than 40% reported not having the number of children they would ideally have, with 31% having fewer and 12% having more. More than half of all respondents identified economic challenges — such as financial insecurity, job insecurity, the cost of housing and childcare — as barriers to having the number of children they desire. Almost one in five reported having experienced a situation where they were unable to access medical or health services related to contraception or reproductive health. These findings suggest that the real question is not about the attitude of the people but the policies and incentives that shape or limit their reproductive choices. This report is the first-ever UN document that examines the reasons behind the declining birth rates. UNFPA supports nations in building demographic resilience by taking a comprehensive approach to their population dynamics, thereby alleviating adverse impacts and seizing opportunities presented by demographic shifts. Almost half of all pregnancies globally are unplanned. Furthermore, in the European Union, the number of childless single-person households surged by 21% from 2013 to 2023. Considering growing concerns about a potential 'depopulation crisis', recent findings reveal that while most individuals desire to have children, many encounter overwhelming obstacles. Women and young individuals are often criticised for supposedly 'rejecting' parenthood, but surveys indicate that most people across various countries aspire to have two or more children. New statistics demonstrate that both women and men experience significant restrictions on their reproductive choices. The report reveals that two in three women in Pakistan cannot make decision about their reproductive health. In addition, the family planning needs of 16% of women across Pakistan remain unmet. The quest of ensuring reproductive agency of people, especially women, demands recognition of their reproductive rights. Apart from economic and policy factors, social factors such as gender-based violence and child marriage limit the autonomy and reproductive agency of women and girls. The challenges that hinder individuals from preventing unintended pregnancies frequently overlap with those that restrict their ability to achieve their desired family size, including economic marginalisation, gender inequality, inadequate access to healthcare and a pervasive sense of hopelessness about the future. I believe the key issue is recognising the significance of reproductive rights, which encompasses the quest for reproductive agency. It is well-recognised that the realisation of women's reproductive rights is intrinsically linked to gender equality and women's empowerment. Gender-based violence significantly undermines women's ability to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and heightens their risk of experiencing adverse reproductive health outcomes.
