The United Nations recently identified economic instability as the key reason for declining birth rates in a report. While many governments believe that the younger generation does not want children, the UN analysis indicates that they are actually facing the reality of being "unable to have children even if they want to." The UN defined the perspective that views the decline in birth rates as a simple change in values as a "policy error," emphasizing that the real issue preventing childbirth is financial conditions.
On the 11th (local time), The New York Times reported this, citing a report from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). UNFPA stated that in a survey conducted with approximately 14,000 people across 14 countries, a majority of respondents indicated that they had fewer children than desired or were likely to have fewer in the future. The report pointed out that financial stability is at the core of birth decisions.
Particularly, about one-third of adults over the age of 50 who have passed their reproductive age reported that their actual number of children is less than they wanted. Among adults under 50, one in nine predicted that they would ultimately not have the number of children they desired. Conversely, the proportion of those who reported having more children than they wanted was very low.
The report raised questions about the assumption that birth rates are solely the result of individual choices, pointing out that many people are postponing childbirth because "the conditions are not right" currently. Dr. Karen K. J. Guro of the Population Center at the University of North Carolina explained, "People want children, but they are saying that the conditions are not appropriate."
In particular, employment insecurity, high housing costs, and lack of parental leave were cited as representative factors hindering childbirth. The report emphasized that structural institutional reforms should take precedence over temporary birth incentives or campaigns. It suggested urgent measures such as expanding paid parental leave, securing housing stability, and creating a work environment where work and family life can coexist.
This survey was conducted in 14 countries with large populations, including the United States, Germany, and Korea, which collectively account for more than one-third of the global population. Most respondents cited the costs and time associated with raising children and job instability as their biggest burdens.
Experts point out that focusing solely on the number of birth rates is ineffective. Rather, they argue that it is essential to focus on how to establish a foundation for life. Dr. Toai Ngo, a professor at Columbia University, noted, "Many women are under pressure to balance both work and family," adding, "Now is the time for policies that help families begin with dignity and opportunity, freeing us from the fear of population decline."
Professor Ngo also mentioned that while the report does not address other variables such as immigration policies or technological advancements, the spread of artificial intelligence could affect the labor market and, in the long run, impact family formation.