Why we are having fewer children than we want
And why money has a lot to do with it.
The United Nations Population Fund World has described the low fertility rates around the world as a ‘crisis’ . Their newest report shows that many people do want to have more children but the cost of raising them and not having enough time are bigger barriers than before. Finding an appropriate partner to have a child with is a struggle too.
The ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½â€™s Population Correspondent Stephanie Hegarty breaks down what’s in the recent UNFPA report. Plus she explains why it’s easier for countries to stop people from having babies, rather than helping them have more.
Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: William Lee-Adams and Benita Barden
Editor: Verity Wilde
Last on
Broadcasts
- Tue 1 Jul 2025 17:50GMTÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ World Service News Internet
- Wed 2 Jul 2025 02:50GMTÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ World Service East and Southern Africa, South Asia, West and Central Africa & East Asia only
Podcast
-
![]()
What in the World
Helping you make sense of what’s happening in your world.
