State of the World Population report 2025 reveals the real fertility crisis

The report details how significant reproductive decisions – when, whether, and with whom to have a child – are being undermined by economic and social barriers.

The research asked people in 14 countries whether they’re having the families they desire and found that an alarmingly high proportion were not.

Key findings included: 

• Nearly 20% of reproductive-age adults believe they will be unable to have the number of children they desire.
• 39% reported that financial limitations had affected or would affect their ability to have their desired family size.
• Nearly 1 in 4 have felt unable to fulfil their desire for a child at their preferred time.
• Young people overwhelmingly reported worries and uncertainties about their futures, and their concerns will impact their decisions about raising families.

The report concludes that the real solution to this crisis “is to build a more equitable, sustainable and caring world that supports individuals to have the families they aspire to.”

Read the full report (PDF)