UN Agency Sounds Alarm on Global Fertility Collapse

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) warned of an unprecedented global fertility decline driven by prohibitive child-rearing costs and partner shortages.

Surveying 14,000 individuals across 14 diverse economies—including the US, South Korea, Italy, India, Brazil, Mexico, and Nigeria—UNFPA found one in five adults cannot have their desired number of children.

Despite most respondents wanting two or more offspring, financial and social barriers prevent family formation.

This trend poses a looming demographic crisis with significant economic and societal implications if left unaddressed.