UNFPA: Barriers, Not Choice, Drive Fertility Decline

A new United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report reveals that India's population has reached 1.46 billion and its total fertility rate has dropped to 1.9, below the replacement level. The report situates this within a global trend of declining fertility, attributing it to barriers such as financial constraints, job insecurity, unaffordable housing, inadequate healthcare, and gender inequality. Surveys across 14 countries show that nearly one in five adults do not expect to have as many children as they desire, with economic and social pressures cited as main obstacles. Despite declining birth rates, most people still want two or more children, but are prevented by circumstances rather than a rejection of parenthood. The UNFPA calls for policies like paid family leave, affordable childcare, and improved reproductive healthcare to support reproductive agency. Policymakers are urged to address these barriers to help individuals achieve their desired family size and respond to demographic challenges.