Vientiane: Across Asia and the Pacific, fertility rates are declining, yet the true crisis is not about the number of births. It's about the ability of young people to choose when and how to start or expand their families on their terms. Many young individuals face barriers that prevent them from building the lives they desire.
According to Lao News Agency, the issue of reproductive agency is critical and should be addressed urgently. Young people across the region are either being forced into parenthood or excluded from it by systems that do not support their needs. Factors such as lack of access to contraception and education, job insecurity, unaffordable housing, rigid gender roles, and discrimination based on identity or location contribute to this crisis.
A poignant example from Vanuatu highlights the challenges faced by young people. A 17-year-old mother had to walk for hours to access basic healthcare, having never had access to contraception or antenatal care. Her story of wanting to finish school and become a teacher is shared by many but hindered by numerous obstacles.
This situation is widespread, as over 40 percent of adolescent pregnancies in the region are unintended, and fewer than one in four sexually active, unmarried adolescents use modern contraception. Barriers are especially pronounced in rural areas, conflict zones, and among marginalized groups such as migrants, LGBTQIA+ youth, young people with disabilities, and ethnic minorities.
In various countries, social stigmas and legal restrictions impede access to sexual and reproductive care, while crisis-affected areas suffer from overstretched or non-existent services. These gaps represent failures in justice, not just health.
Economic instability, care burdens, and societal expectations further hinder reproductive agency, even where services are available. UNFPA's 2025 State of the World Population report reveals that despite a desire for larger families in Thailand, fertility has declined to 1.2 children per woman. In the Republic of Korea, the figure is 0.8, the lowest in the world, signifying systemic barriers rather than a rejection of parenthood.
Reproductive agency goes beyond service access; it involves making informed choices free from stigma, discrimination, and coercion. It encompasses the ability to start a family in safety and dignity, with hope for the future.
Young people today navigate a world fraught with climate disasters, economic instability, and rising conflicts. Many feel they face a future more uncertain than previous generations, shaped by decisions made without their input. When hope diminishes, so does the desire to bring children into the world, but this is not an inevitable outcome.
To foster stronger families and resilient societies, it's essential to create conditions that enable choice and hope.