The U.N. said there is a "birth rate crisis". It issued a report that highlights how fewer babies are being born. At the same time, people are living longer. Fewer workers must pay the pensions of more and more elderly people. Many countries are having problems with fewer babies and ageing.

The U.N. questioned 14,000 people in 14 countries. It found that children are becoming too expensive. Couples want children, but cannot afford them. Reasons for this include low salaries, expensive houses, and worries about the future. One solution to this is cheaper childcare.