New Delhi — India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has dropped to 1.9 births per woman, dipping below the replacement level of 2.1. This means, on average, Indian women are now having fewer children than needed to maintain the population size in the absence of migration.
The data comes from the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) 2025 State of World Population Report, which calls for an urgent shift in focus — from alarm over declining birth rates to addressing the unmet reproductive goals of millions.
A Nation with Fewer Births, But a Young Population
Despite the decline in births, India remains a young country. The report notes that:
−24% of the population is aged 0–14,
−17% is aged 10–19, and
−26% falls in the 10–24 age group.
India’s total population currently stands at 1.46 billion, making it the most populous country in the world. The number is projected to grow to 1.7 billion before starting to decline in about 40 years.
However, fertility rates vary widely across the country. Southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Delhi have maintained below-replacement fertility levels. In contrast, northern states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh still record high fertility rates. This “high-low fertility duality” presents a complex demographic challenge.
From Baby Boom to Baby Bust
In 1960, an average Indian woman gave birth to nearly six children. Today, that number has shrunk to less than two. This dramatic drop reflects global patterns, but also raises serious questions about what is preventing people from having the families they want.
The UNFPA surveyed 14,000 people in 14 countries, including India. The findings were telling:
−1 in 5 respondents said they had fewer children than they desired or expected to have.
−39% blamed financial limitations for not growing their families.
−Other top concerns included job insecurity (21%), housing issues (22%), and lack of affordable childcare (18%).
Fertility issues like difficulty conceiving were cited by only 12% overall, but were more common in certain countries — including India (13%), Thailand (19%), and the US (16%).
In countries like South Korea, 58% of respondents said they couldn’t afford children. The figure was 19% in Sweden, the lowest among surveyed nations.
What’s the Real Crisis?
According to the UNFPA, the issue isn’t overpopulation or underpopulation. The true crisis is the gap between reproductive intentions and reality. Many people are unable to make free and informed decisions about starting a family — often because of economic, social, and health-related pressures.
As the report states, the solution lies in strengthening reproductive agency — the freedom to make personal decisions about sex, contraception, and family planning.
What’s Preventing Parenthood in India and Beyond?
The report outlines several major barriers affecting people’s ability to have children:
Financial Constraints: Nearly 40% of those surveyed said money was the main obstacle.
Job Insecurity and Housing: Many cited unstable jobs and unaffordable housing as reasons to delay or avoid parenthood.
Health Access: Poor access to pregnancy-related care and infertility treatment remains a significant issue.
Climate and Social Fears: Concerns about the environment, politics, and global instability are rising.
External Pressure: 19% said they had fewer children than they wanted because of pressure from family or partners.
What Needs to Change?
UNFPA recommends a rights-based approach to fix the problem. The report outlines five key actions:
Expand Reproductive Healthcare Access
Ensure universal availability of contraception, safe abortion, maternal care, and infertility treatment.
Remove Economic Barriers
Invest in affordable childcare, flexible work policies, housing, and education.
Create Inclusive Policies
Extend reproductive health services to unmarried individuals, LGBTQIA+ people, and other marginalized communities.
Improve Data and Accountability
Go beyond fertility statistics to measure unmet needs in family planning and bodily autonomy.
Foster Social Change
Encourage public dialogue, challenge stigma, and increase health awareness through community engagement.
Looking Ahead
India’s population may still be growing, but the steep fall in fertility signals a new challenge. The country must now focus not just on numbers, but on people’s rights, choices, and well-being.
Addressing the economic and social barriers to parenthood will be key. Ensuring access to healthcare and support for all — regardless of gender, marital status, or income — will help more people make the family choices they truly want.
As the UNFPA report concludes: “The goal is not more children or fewer, but that every child is wanted, and every person is empowered to decide.”
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