The guy who wrote the Lifenews article makes it sound like the UN wants to reduce fertility rates in every country, even those that are already below replacement rates. This, of course, is not true. Many conspiracy theorists try to support their beliefs by cherry picking UN reports. Unfortunately, as in most cases, the author seems to be ignoring some very important little facts.
1. Although the AVERAGE fertility rate worldwide is dropping, there is a huge disparity between rich and poor countries. The high fertility rates in the poorest countries are the problem.
Global rates mask wide disparity among countries. Japan, most European nations, Singapore and Russia have fertility rates of 1.5 children per woman or lower, while rates are 5.0 or higher in Afghanistan and many African countries.vi If such differences continue, they could bring significant change to the world.
Fertility levels matter. For example, Germany at 82 million people and Ethiopia with 83 million are now similar in population size. But Germany’s fertility rate is 1.4 children per woman and Ethiopia’s is 4.6. By 2050, Germany’s population will likely decline to 75 million while Ethiopia’s will nearly double, to 145 million.
2. Reducing poverty, improving education and empowering women seem to naturally slow down fertility rates.
While global trends point to poverty reduction, wide gaps persist between and within countries. In the poorest countries, extreme poverty, food insecurity, inequality, high death rates and high birth rates are linked in a vicious cycle. Reducing poverty by investing in health and education, especially for women and girls, can break this cycle.
As living conditions improve, parents can feel more confident that most of their children will survive. Many then choose to have smaller families. This takes pressure off families and governments, allowing greater investment in each child’s health care and education, improved productivity and better long-term prospects – for the family and for the country.
Here is the link to the United Nations Population Fund fact sheet if the conspiracy theorists want to read what the UN is actually saying.
