According to a new UN Population Fund (UNFPA) report, millions of people cannot have the number of children they want due to barriers associated with economic and health factors.
This study reveals that lack of choice rather than desire is what prevents people from having the family they want, and that they defies the claim that people reject parent-child relationships.
“Reproductive institutions aren’t just about improving freedom from coercion and access to services, they are the full range of conditions that enable people to exercise their reproductive rights and ensure true choices, including gender equality, economic stability, decent health and future trust.”
UNFPA and YouGov conducted an online survey of over 14,000 adults, both male and female, in 14 countries with over 37% of the world’s population.
The majority of both men and women in four EU countries – Italy, Hungary, Germany and Sweden – were analyzed in the study, indicating that two children were the ideal number.
Barriers to having children
Of these four EU countries analyzed in this study, factors such as infertility and pregnancy, as well as poor factors for general health and chronic disease, have the most impact on Italy in 15% and 13%, respectively.
Germany and Sweden also reported similar issues.
Also, financial restrictions are one of the main issues that prevent these countries from having more children, with Hungary reporting the highest rate at 34%.
Germany and Sweden also point out economic limitations as a major concern regarding the number of children they wish to have.
Meanwhile, Italian respondents struggled the most at 30% due to unemployment and job instability.
Current political or social landscape concerns were recognized as a barrier by 19% of Italian respondents.
Italian, Swedish and Hungarian respondents were also interested in the lack of suitable partners.
Only 15% of those surveyed in Germany shared this concern.
