A groundbreaking study published in The Lancet reveals a concerning global trend of rapidly declining fertility rates. Researchers analyzed data from 195 countries and territories, finding that the global total fertility rate fell from 2.9 births per woman in 1990 to 2.4 in 2019. This decline is occurring across all regions, with nearly 90% of countries experiencing a decrease. Notably, the study highlights that over 50% of the global population now lives in regions with fertility rates below the replacement level of 2.1 births per woman, which could lead to population decline if the trend continues. The authors emphasize the need for comprehensive policies to address the economic, social, and environmental implications of this demographic shift. They call for investments in education, family planning services, and measures to support women’s empowerment and gender equality, as these factors significantly influence fertility rates. The study underscores the urgency of global action to mitigate the potential consequences of declining birth rates on societies and economies worldwide.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/20/health/global-fertility-rates-lancet-study/index.html