U.N. issues report on global birth rate crisis
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The United Nations has said the world is experiencing a birth rate crisis. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has released a report called "State of World Population 2025". It highlights how fewer and fewer children are being born all over the world. At the same time, people are living longer. Falling birth rates and increased longevity are creating many problems. Smaller numbers of workers are having to pay the pensions of older people who have retired. Dr Natalia Kanem, executive director of UNFPA, said: "Many countries are [struggling] with ageing and shrinking populations, labour shortages, and rising healthcare and pension costs. These are real concerns."
The United Nations surveyed over 14,000 people in 14 countries on five continents to make its report. One of the key findings was of the global fertility crisis. The UN said the high cost of parenthood is the biggest reason for women not having children. Many couples want children, but they cannot afford them. Nearly 20 per cent of adults believe they will not be able to have the number of children they want. There were other reasons for falling birth rates. These include low salaries, expensive housing, and worries about the future of our world. The UN said one solution to the crisis is to create "family-friendly policies, such as affordable childcare and paid leave for all carers".
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