Archive · 18 Jun 2025
India's Fertility Rate Falls, Raising Concerns of Affordability
India's birth rate has fallen below the level needed to keep the population stable.
An investment banker says this is due to money issues, like not being able to afford children, delayed marriage, and stress.
Almost 40% of people surveyed say they cannot afford a child.
The high cost of city living and the emphasis on careers are causing people to have children later in life.
People might move to less expensive areas or consider options like freezing eggs to help address this issue.
India's fertility rate has dropped below the replacement level to 1.9 births per woman.
An investment banker highlights affordability and systemic stress as key drivers of the decline.
Nearly 40% of those surveyed cite not being able to afford a child as a reason for not having children.
Delayed marriage and urban costs contribute to the trend of postponed parenthood.
Potential responses include relocating to smaller towns and increased normalization of egg freezing.
- Who
- Investment banker Sarthak Ahuja, and those surveyed on affordability.
- What
- India's fertility rate has fallen below replacement level, with economic factors being a major influence.
- When
- Not explicitly stated, but the trend is current.
- Where
- India
- Why
- To understand the causes and implications of India's declining fertility rate.
Current economic realities
N/A
Impact on Reproductive decisions
Current economic realities
Many Indians report being unable to afford having children due to job insecurity and housing costs.
N/A
N/A
- TFR
- 1.9 births per woman
- Main drivers cited
- Affordability, systemic stress, and delayed parenthood
- Surveyed saying can't afford child
- 40%
