Lack of fertility knowledge linked to Sweden’s declining birth rates

A government investigation suggests that poor understanding of fertility may be contributing to Sweden’s record-low birth rates, with experts warning many delay parenthood due to misconceptions about biological limits, public broadcaster SVT reports.

Around 15–20 percent of couples of childbearing age in Sweden face involuntary childlessness, according to the report, which highlights a “significant gap” between desired and actual family size. While most adults want two or more children, many encounter biological or medical barriers.

Fertility in women peaks between ages 20 and 25, then declines gradually before dropping sharply after 35, said Emma Karling Widsell, an experienced midwife specialising in fertility issues. “Egg quality is the decisive factor, and it generally starts to deteriorate around 35—though for some, it happens even earlier,” she told SVT. She stressed that male fertility also plays an equal role in involuntary childlessness.

The report, produced by ReproUnion—a Swedish-Danish research collaboration—identifies low fertility awareness as a “central obstacle” to childbearing. Many attempt pregnancy at ages when fertility has already declined, it states.

In response, Sweden’s centre-right government announced this week it would allocate 327 million kronor (approximately €29 million) in its spring budget to provide three additional publicly funded IVF attempts for couples struggling with infertility. Social Minister Jakob Forssmed (Christian Democrats) noted that “many who wish to have children face biological or medical challenges.”

Karling Widsell welcomed the focus on education, urging people to consider family planning earlier in life. “If you want multiple children, you may need to start sooner than you think,” she said, adding that the rising use of egg freezing suggests growing awareness of age-related fertility decline.

Sweden’s birth rate hit a historic low in 2025, averaging 1.42 children per woman—the lowest ever recorded. The government launched its investigation the same year to explore the decline and potential solutions.