Morocco's fertility rate falls short of population renewal
Oriental Eco
Birth rate below the population renewal threshold
Recent data from the United Nations Population Fund's (UNFPA) 2025 report revealed a significant decline in Morocco's fertility rate, reaching 1.97 children per woman in 2024, below the 2.1 minimum needed to ensure generational renewal. Although this decline is a global phenomenon, the situation in Morocco highlights a deeper crisis beyond the numbers, reflecting the difficulty for families to realize the reproductive dreams they aspire to.
The desire to have children is hampered by economic obstacles
The report showed that a third of Moroccans over the age of 50 were unable to have the number of children they had hoped for, with 47% citing economic pressures as the reason. Another 37% of respondents indicated that they were unable to have children when they planned to, which is higher than the global average of 23%. This data clearly reveals the extent to which economic conditions affect the reproductive decisions of Moroccan families.
High rates of unwanted pregnancies and poor health
To further complicate the situation, Morocco has a high rate of unplanned pregnancies at 51%, compared to 31% in the other countries covered by the report. This reality reflects the fragility of the reproductive health system, especially among marginalized groups, where access to health services and information remains limited, adding to the challenges facing women and families in general.
Fear of the future traps family dreams
The barriers are not only financial, but also psychosocial. 20% of respondents stated that they have given up part of their family aspirations due to financial instability and uncertainty about the future. The decision to have children is no longer as easy to make as in the past, but is linked to the availability of jobs, access to decent housing, and citizens' confidence in their future and institutions.
A call for comprehensive family policies instead of focusing on fertility indicators
The UN report emphasizes the need to reformulate Morocco's population policies by focusing on empowering individuals to make free and informed reproductive decisions. It suggests providing a favorable living environment that includes fair parental leave, comprehensive health services, financial and housing support that alleviates the burden of living costs and gives families the ability to plan freely and responsibly. The real challenge lies not only in the number of births, but in the great disparity between citizens' aspirations and their reality.
Toward a comprehensive vision for resolving the crisis
The fertility crisis in Morocco is not just a demographic issue, but a mirror that reflects a deeper imbalance in economic and social policies. To turn this corner, the state needs a holistic approach that respects individual rights, ensures equal access to opportunities and services, and puts family well-being at the center of public policies. Only such an approach can rebalance the population and achieve sustainable human development.
