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KATHMANDU, June 17: Millions of people worldwide, including in Nepal, are unable to have the number of children they desire—not due to a lack of interest in parenthood, but because of mounting economic and social barriers.
This is the central message of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)'s 2025 State of World Population (SWP) report, titled “The Real Fertility Crisis: The Pursuit of Reproductive Agency in a Changing World.”
Based on academic research and a UNFPA–YouGov survey conducted across 14 countries with varying fertility rates, the report finds that one in five people globally expect not to have their desired number of children. Key reasons include high living costs, job insecurity, unaffordable housing and childcare, lack of supportive partners, limited access to reproductive healthcare and anxiety over global challenges such as climate change and conflict.
In Nepal, the situation reflects global trends. Despite a consistent preference for two or more children, many are having fewer than they wish—particularly in urbanized provinces such as Bagmati and Gandaki. The national average fertility rate has dropped to two children per woman, a trend seen across all social, economic, and geographic groups.
The gap between desired and actual family size is especially pronounced in areas affected by employment insecurity, spousal separation due to labor migration, and the rising costs of housing and childcare.
“Globally, vast numbers of people are unable to form the families they aspire to,” said Won Young Hong, UNFPA Representative in Nepal. “Nepal is no exception. Some are prevented from becoming parents, while others are pushed into parenthood without choice. This is not about overpopulation or low fertility—it’s about enabling people to make free and informed decisions. Paid family leave, reproductive healthcare, childcare, and supportive relationships aren’t luxuries—they are necessities.”
The report highlights several key findings. Globally, more than 50% of respondents cited economic challenges—particularly the high cost of living, housing, and childcare—as significant barriers to parenthood. In Nepal, additional factors such as rapid urbanization, job insecurity, and a lack of flexible work policies make it difficult for young couples to plan a secure future with children.
On a global scale, 31% of people reported having fewer children than they desired, while 12% said they had more than they had planned. In Nepal, fertility choices are further complicated by widespread labor migration and deeply rooted gender norms around caregiving. These trends contribute to a growing gap between reproductive aspirations and outcomes. Among those over 50 years old globally, 43% said they did not achieve their desired family size—pointing to long-standing, unmet reproductive goals. In Nepal, this disconnect varies by region: in Bagmati Province, fertility rates are lower than desired, while in Madhesh Province, many report having more children than they had intended. These contrasting outcomes underscore the limitations in reproductive agency across different contexts.
The report also underscores gender inequality as a major constraint on reproductive choices. Women continue to bear the bulk of caregiving responsibilities, while men—particularly in Nepal—often face stigma when they take on such roles. At the same time, women frequently experience professional setbacks after becoming mothers. The absence of gender-equitable policies, such as flexible work options and adequate parental leave, further entrenches traditional roles and discourages shared parenting responsibilities.
Falling fertility is not solely a “women’s issue.” Young men in Nepal and beyond—especially those with less education or job security—are increasingly unpartnered and disengaged. The report points to a growing loneliness epidemic and mismatched gender expectations that are straining the social fabric.
Hanaa Singer-Hamdy, UN Resident Coordinator in Nepal, stressed: “We must move beyond panic over fertility rates and instead focus on empowering individual agency. What people need are rights-based policies, economic security, and freedom of choice—not coercive measures.”
Dilliram Sharma, Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Population, affirmed Nepal’s commitment: “Equitable development hinges on empowering people to make informed reproductive decisions. Our policies must dismantle structural barriers and uphold reproductive rights.”
90% Nepalis struggling or feel sense of insecurity
Professor Dr. R.P. Bichha, Honourable Member of the National Planning Commission, added: “This is the time to reshape policy frameworks. Our focus must be on enhancing the quality of life and productivity of the young—not merely managing population numbers.”
The report cautions against simplistic or coercive responses—such as setting fertility targets or offering cash incentives—which often fail and risk violating human rights. Instead, it advocates for evidence-based, choice-centered policies.
UNFPA calls on governments, including Nepal, to take decisive action to support individuals in realizing their reproductive goals. This includes expanding access to affordable, high-quality reproductive and fertility care for all. Governments are also urged to invest in family-friendly policies such as paid parental leave, flexible work arrangements, and affordable childcare, which are essential for enabling people to balance work and family life.
Additionally, eliminating legal and policy barriers that hinder access to contraception and perpetuate gender inequality is critical. Providing comprehensive sexuality education throughout the life course can enhance fertility awareness and dispel misinformation. Above all, UNFPA emphasizes the need to create supportive environments where both women and men can become parents without having to sacrifice their personal or professional aspirations.
As Nepal prepares for a rapidly ageing population—with one in five citizens projected to be over 60 by 2071—these investments are vital. But experts caution against reactionary pronatalism driven by demographic anxiety.
