Fertility rates are declining in almost all countries worldwide according to authors of a new paper published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women’s Health that urges policymakers to improve access to fertility care.
“Decreasing fertility rates will result in a decline in the global population towards the end of this century, with smaller populations reshaping the face of societies in ways yet to be fully comprehended,” write the authors of “Expanding fertility awareness and choices: a public health imperative.”
“More than half of young adults worldwide would like to have children but too many barriers exist,” says lead author Dr. Bart Fauser, professor of reproductive medicine, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands and director of science for the International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS).
One in 6 couples experience infertility globally, according to the World Health Organization and surveys show that young adults who want to have children report barriers including affordable housing, education costs, and climate change. Meanwhile, for people struggling to get pregnant, “access to affordable fertility care is virtually non-existent in many low-income and middle-income countries,” write Fauser et al.
“Development of low-cost, high quality medically assisted reproduction treatments are urgently needed,” writes Fauser and his coauthors who include IFFS President Marcos Horton.
IFFS launched a global campaign to raise awareness about falling fertility rates and the need for more affordable and equitable access to fertility care. The More Joy campaign is reaching out to health care professionals, companies, and policymakers in 130 countries with campaign materials in 17 languages. The first IVF baby, Louise Joy Brown, recently joined the campaign as an Ambassador.
“More family-friendly policies and initiatives are needed to support reproduction,” writes Fauser et al. “Societies that actively support young people in achieving their reproductive objectives … will be better positioned to navigate the distinct challenges of shifting population dynamics.”