The rapid decline in global birth rates is raising serious concerns, as couples around the world face mounting obstacles that derail their plans to start families, according to a new report from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN agency for reproductive rights.

Research Highlights Growing Disconnection Between Family Desires and Reality

UNFPA conducted a survey of 14,000 individuals across 14 countries, revealing that one in five respondents either had fewer children than they desired or did not expect to reach their ideal family size. The countries surveyed—ranging from Italy and Germany to Brazil, India, and Nigeria—collectively represent about one-third of the world’s population and span a mix of income levels and birth rate trends.

“This is an unprecedented decline in birth rates,” said Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UNFPA. “Most people surveyed want two or more children, but many feel unable to form the families they envision. That is the true crisis.”

Anna Rotkirch, a demographer advising Finland on population policy, also noted that many people are having fewer children than they hoped for. Even among those over 50, 31% reported falling short of their family planning goals.

Economic Strain and Time Scarcity Among Main Barriers

Although this initial study is part of a larger project across 50 countries, it has already revealed key trends. Financial concerns were the top reason for delaying or avoiding children, cited by 39% overall and as high as 58% in South Korea—the highest rate. Sweden had the lowest at 19%.

Infertility was less commonly cited (12% overall), though higher in places like Thailand (19%) and the U.S. (16%). Professor Stuart Gietel-Basten noted a shift in focus for UNFPA—from preventing unwanted births to understanding why people are having fewer children.

UNFPA Warns Against Alarmist Policies

Despite falling birth rates, UNFPA warns against panic-driven policies. Dr. Kanem noted past shifts from fears of overpopulation to low fertility concerns, leading some countries to adopt pro-natalist measures. Professor Gietel-Basten cautioned that such fears are now fueling exclusionary and regressive agendas.
The study also found that time, not just money, is a major barrier—highlighting the role of work-life balance and social pressures in fertility choices.