Child-Free Choices: Why Global Fertility Rates Are Plummeting

• Global fertility rates are at historic lows, with many countries falling below replacement levels, driven by economic stress, lifestyle changes, and environmental concerns.
• A 2024 Lancer study projects 75% of countries will be below the population replacement rate by 2050, with India's TFR dropping to 1.9 in 2025.
• Couples are opting out of parenthood due to financial insecurity (high cost of living, childcare), career pressures, later marriages, and concerns about the future world for children.
• The rise of DINK (dual income, no kids) couples signifies a redefinition of family, prioritizing financial stability, personal freedom, and autonomy over traditional parenthood.
• Falling fertility rates in India could impact its demographic dividend, leading to a shrinking workforce and increased dependency ratio if policies don't adapt to address root causes.

Why It Matters: Declining birth rates reshape society, economy, and personal life choices.