The Global Fertility Decline

On 19th January 2026, the BBC reported that China’s birth rate has ‘hit a record low*’.  As global fertility continues to be discussed in the headlines, I wanted to share some of the most recent conclusions as to why this could be happening.  The following information was presented at BFS Fertility 2026, which is a major annual conference hosted by the British Fertility Society, and was held earlier this month in Edinburgh.  In a lecture titled: ‘Declining Global Fertility and Future Dependence on ART’, the Australian Reproductive Biologist John Aitken suggested the following areas are driving a global decline in fertility:

1.  Lifestyle factors such as smoking, a higher BMI, and poor diet.

2.  Environmental factors such as toxicants, heat, and infections.

3.  Biological and Socioeconomic Factors.

4.  Age related markers in women such as advanced maternal age, which is linked to lower antral follicle count and lower anti-Müllerian hormone levels, and a higher risk of genetically abnormal embryos with advancing maternal age.  

5. Age related markers for men, such as advancing paternal age, which is associated with increased oxidative stress, as well as possible links between oxidative damage and chromosomal issues in sperm.  Also discussed was an association between advancing paternal age and risks such as autism, schizophrenia, bipolar syndrome, and Marfan syndrome.  

Mr Aitken underscored a broad, multifactorial decline in fertility across regions, with growing reliance on ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology). The increasing use of ART is noted alongside declining natural fertility.  He also noted that a population decline in Western economies is mirrored in some developing economies, that ageing impacts both female and male reproductive health, with measurable biomarkers and potential neurodevelopmental and genetic risks.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c79r7v7qr53o