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New Delhi, June 11, 2025
A new report from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has revealed that one in three adult Indians—36%—has experienced unintended pregnancies. The findings, published in the 2025 State of World Population (SOWP) report titled The Real Fertility Crisis, highlight significant gaps between reproductive aspirations and realities among Indian adults.
The report, released annually since 1978, underscores that the core issue is not overpopulation or underpopulation, but rather the inability of people to freely make choices regarding their reproductive lives. The UNFPA–YouGov survey, conducted across 14 countries including India, found that 30% of Indian respondents could not have the number of children they desired—either more or fewer—while 23% faced both unintended pregnancies and unmet reproductive goals.
Key Findings and Barriers
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Financial Constraints: Four in ten Indians cited financial issues as a major barrier to starting or expanding their families.
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Employment and Housing: Job insecurity (21%) and lack of housing (22%) were significant concerns.
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Childcare Access: Unreliable childcare (18%) was another obstacle.
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Health Concerns: Poor wellbeing (15%), infertility (13%), and limited access to pregnancy care (14%) also played a role.
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Social and Emotional Factors: Loneliness, changing relationships, stigma, and unequal caregiving expectations—especially for women—have led many to delay or avoid parenthood.
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External Pressures: Nearly one-fifth (19%) reported pressure from partners or families to have fewer children than they personally wanted.
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Future Fears: Concerns about climate change and political instability were also cited as reasons affecting reproductive choices.
Regional Disparities
India has now reached replacement-level fertility, with about 2.0 births per woman. However, stark regional differences persist. States such as Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh have higher fertility rates, while Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi have rates below replacement level. These differences are attributed to disparities in healthcare, education, income, and social norms.
Call for Action
The report urges a shift in focus from population numbers to reproductive agency, emphasizing the right of individuals to decide if, when, and how many children to have. It outlines five key steps for India:
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Expand Access: Increase availability of sexual and reproductive health services, including contraception, safe abortion, maternal care, and infertility treatment.
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Remove Practical Barriers: Invest in childcare, education, housing, and flexible workplaces.
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Inclusive Policies: Make policies more inclusive for unmarried individuals, LGBTQIA+ people, and other marginalized groups.
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Improve Data Tracking: Better monitor unmet family planning needs and bodily autonomy.
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Promote Social Change: Use education and community action to reduce stigma and raise awareness.
Conclusion
The UNFPA 2025 report calls for a global priority to ensure everyone has the means and freedom to make informed reproductive choices. It highlights that true progress lies in empowering individuals and addressing the barriers that prevent them from achieving their family goals.
Disclaimer:
This news article is based on information from the UNFPA 2025 State of World Population report and a related article published by The Economic Times. The details and statistics are accurate as of the report’s release date and may be subject to updates or revisions by the relevant organizations. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the author or publisher. Readers are advised to consult official sources for the most current information.
