Experts call for improved fertility education in Nordic schools amid declining birth rates

Experts criticize the lack of comprehensive and consistent education about fertility in schools and educational institutions. Many young people are surprised to learn about the decline in fertility, with only 12 percent of Nordic youth aware that fertility decreases with age, according to Nordic infertility organizations. One of the reasons for this knowledge gap is that fertility education is not addressed in the same manner as contraception and sexually transmitted disease guidance.

Reija Klemetti, research director at the National Institute for Health and Welfare, highlights that the absence of this topic in educational materials has contributed to the problem. Klemetti advocates for including information about fertility and age-related changes in all learning materials related to reproduction, sexuality, or contraception, suggesting that even if teachers do not initiate the topic, it should be readily available in the curriculum.

Mirka Råback from the Finnish National Agency for Education stresses that teachers have the freedom to address important themes in their teaching. However, there are concerns regarding the adequacy of training for teachers in sexual education. Outi Danielsson from Väestöliitto indicates that a lack of information may hinder birth rates, particularly as Finland seeks to reverse its record-low birth rates, the lowest since 1836.

Danielsson believes that young people often prioritize education and financial stability, leading to misconceptions that fertility will remain intact until later in life. Both experts and young people express a desire for fertility education to be a part of basic healthcare and public health advice, emphasizing that it should not come across as pressure or moralizing.