Why we are having fewer children than we want

What in the World

• Episode: Why we are having fewer children than we want
• Website: What in the World
• Feed URL: https://podcasts.files.bbci.co.uk/w13xtvrv.rss
• Duration: 00:10:20
• Published: 2025-07-01 15:30

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 BBC’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: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee-Adams and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde