The United Nations’ World Fertility Report 2024 has revealed a significant decline in Pakistan’s fertility rate, which has dropped from six live births per woman in 1994 to 3.6 in 2024. The report, set to be officially released soon, underscores the importance of reducing adolescent birth rates through targeted interventions, highlighting the socioeconomic benefits of such measures.

The report emphasizes that lowering birth rates can enable governments and families to better allocate resources toward improving the health and well-being of children and adolescents. For young women, delaying early pregnancies could provide opportunities for education, employment, and personal development, contributing to overall societal progress.

Globally, fertility rates have steadily declined over the past five decades, falling from 4.8 births per woman in 1970 to 2.2 in 2024. Women today, on average, have one child fewer than in 1990, when the fertility rate was 3.3.

The report also notes that around 1.8 billion people—22% of the global population—live in 63 countries that are still in the early or intermediate stages of demographic transition. These nations, including Pakistan, are expected to reach low fertility levels after 2054.

The World Fertility Report 2024 calls on governments in these regions to implement stronger legal protections for women and girls. Key recommendations include banning child marriage, ensuring access to reproductive healthcare, and expanding educational opportunities for women and girls. These measures, the report argues, are essential for achieving sustainable demographic transitions and improving overall quality of life.

As Pakistan continues to experience a decline in fertility rates, the report highlights the need for targeted policies to address adolescent birth rates and empower women, ensuring long-term socioeconomic benefits for the country.