The world is entering a new era, not of overpopulation but underpopulation. Fertility rates are dropping below replacement levels in over half of all countries and the consequences are already reshaping economies, healthcare systems and individual lives. The message from the recent IFFS World Congress was unmistakable—we need to act and we need to act now.
Dr. David Adamson, Founder and CEO of ARC Fertility, chaired a landmark session titled “Declining Fertility Rates—Time to Take Action.” The featured presentation, delivered by Dr. Bart Fauser, was based on the recently published IFFS consensus paper on declining global fertility rates and the future of family building.
The Research Behind the Urgency
The IFFS consensus paper, published in Human Reproduction Update, is the first of its kind to link declining fertility rates with disparities in access to care and outline actionable strategies for governments and healthcare systems. Here are the core insights:
- Global fertility decline is accelerating: In many countries, populations are set to shrink by more than 50% by 2100 if current trends continue.
- Most family-planning policies focus on contraception and preventing unintended pregnancies, not on enabling people to have children when they want them.
- Family building is underrepresented in public policy, despite its broad scope, including natural conception, assisted reproductive technology (ART), surrogacy, adoption and foster care.
- Access to fertility care is unequal and often unaffordable, even though fertility treatments contribute significantly to birth rates in wealthier countries.
From Evidence to Action: Launching the “More Joy” Campaign
The consensus paper provided the foundation for the IFFS “More Joy” campaign, a global effort to raise awareness among policymakers and the public about infertility and the urgent need for inclusive, accessible fertility care.
This campaign reframes the conversation around fertility, not just as a medical issue but as a human right and a societal necessity. It advocates for:
- Government investment in child-friendly policies, including fertility coverage.
- Public education on family-building options and infertility prevention.
- Global equity in access to reproductive care.
A Broader Perspective: ART and Global Population Health
In another key session, Dr. Adamson co-chaired and presented the latest ICMART World Report, highlighting the expanding role of ART. The data is staggering. In some countries, up to 10% of all births now result from ART and its role in global population growth is expected to increase even further.
However, affordability and access remain significant barriers. Without intentional policy and healthcare investment, ART will remain out of reach for most people who need it.
ARC Fertility: Bridging the Gap Between Evidence and Care
As a leader in fertility care, ARC Fertility is uniquely positioned to help employers and health systems respond to this crisis with:
- Comprehensive fertility and family-forming benefit packages.
- National access to top-tier fertility specialists.
- Flexible, cost-effective plans without per-employee monthly fees (PEPM).
- Personalized support through care navigators who guide individuals through every step of the journey.
ARC’s programs are grounded in evidence-based practices, informed by the very research that is now shaping global fertility policy.
Time to Rethink Family Planning
The IFFS consensus document challenges the outdated definition of family planning. It’s no longer just about preventing births, it’s about supporting people in having the children they desire, when they’re ready. Employers, healthcare providers and policymakers have a rare opportunity to lead. Offering inclusive fertility benefits isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity in an era of demographic decline.
The world is shifting. Populations are aging. Birth rates are falling. The future depends on proactive, inclusive, evidence-driven policies and benefits.
Contact ARC Fertility today to learn how we can help your organization empower individuals to build the families they dream of, while shaping a more sustainable future for all.