One in four people lives in a country where the population has likely peaked. A new study shows that low fertility rates result more from a lack of choices than personal decisions.

A recent United Nations report examining 14 countries, representing over a third of the global population, has found that many people are unable to have as many children as they wish due to economic and health-related obstacles. The study, which included Italy, Hungary, Germany, and Sweden, identified financial constraints, infertility, chronic illness, and job insecurity as significant barriers.

In Italy, infertility and health issues were prominent, while financial limitations were most acute in Hungary. Job insecurity and concerns about the political or social climate also played a role, particularly in Italy. The lack of a suitable partner was another notable factor, especially in Italy, Sweden, and Hungary. The findings suggest that low fertility rates are often the result of limited choices rather than personal preference.

What factors prevent people from having children they desire?

What are the major factors that prevent people from having the number of children they desire? Millions are unable to have the number of children they want due to economic and health barriers. This is according to a new UN report, which covered 14 countries worldwide, representing over 37% of the global population. There were 4 EU countries analysed in the study, Italy, Hungary, Germany and Sweden, and the majority indicated that 2 children is their ideal number. Of the 4 EU countries, Italy is the most affected by factors such as infertility and difficulty conceiving, noted by 15% of Italian respondents, as well as general health and chronic illnesses, at 13%. Financial limitations are also one of the main issues keeping these countries from having more children, with Hungary reporting the highest rate, at 34%. Meanwhile, Italian respondents struggled the most with unemployment or job insecurity, at 30%. Concerns regarding the current political or social landscape were noted as a barrier by 19% of respondents in Italy. Italian, Swedish and Hungarian respondents were also concerned by the lack of a suitable partner, at 17%. Only 15% of those surveyed in Germany shared this concern.

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