Over the last few decades, the world's overall fertility rates have dropped dramatically. The UN has reported that on average, women have had one child less than they used to since 1990. Women in more than half of all countries globally give birth to less than 2.1 children – the birth rate at which a population maintains its size. One in five countries worldwide, many in Asia, have 'ultra-low fertility' with women giving birth to less than 1.4 children in their lifetime. Hong Kong is no exception, with recent UNFPA data placing Hong Kong (at 0.8 births per woman) between Singapore (1.25) and South Korea (0.78). This trend mirrors the global projection of continued declining rates, with estimates suggesting a drop to 1.8 by 2050 and further to 1.6 by 2100.
There is a silver lining to this decline: when women attain higher levels of education and have access to family planning, they tend to have fewer children. Reversing the decline in birth rate in an equal society requires truly inclusive policies. While these demographic changes present challenges, they also offer Hong Kong a unique opportunity to reimagine how our society approaches family planning and support.
There are several factors that influence family planning decisions in Hong Kong. From workplace dynamics to housing costs, numerous systemic factors shape how individuals in Hong Kong approach what is ultimately a deeply personal choice. Workplace support is key. Research consistently shows that comprehensive workplace support yields positive outcomes for both employees and organisations. Such support includes flexible working arrangements, inclusive parental leave policies, childcare support, fertility treatment coverage, and mentorship programmes for returning parents.
However, the conversation extends beyond the workplace. Healthcare accessibility, career development opportunities, and societal expectations significantly influence reproductive choices across diverse demographic groups. These factors, combined with economic considerations, shape an individual’s ability to make informed family planning decisions.
Understanding how the healthcare system - including access to fertility treatments like egg freezing, IVF, and comprehensive contraceptive options, - influences fertility decisions in our community is essential. Recognising the links between these factors is crucial for developing comprehensive solutions. This holistic approach not only addresses individual needs but also contributes to broader societal efforts to create an environment conducive to family planning.
At TWF, we advocate for a holistic transformation that addresses these challenges at their root. This means reimagining workplace policies to support caregivers and challenge traditional gender roles. It involves ensuring comprehensive education for more informed reproductive health decisions, building healthcare support systems that embrace diverse family structures, reproductive choices and promoting initiatives that support various paths to parenthood. Our Male Allies programme exemplifies this approach, engaging male leaders in crucial conversations about gender equality, including their role in family planning and caregiving responsibilities.
Addressing these challenges collaboratively means that Hong Kong has the opportunity to create an environment where all individuals feel empowered to make family planning choices free from societal pressure or gender-based constraints. The path forward requires sustained commitment from all sectors of society - from policymakers to employers, healthcare providers to community leaders - working together to build a more supportive and inclusive future for family planning in Hong Kong.
Get in touch: Fiona.Nott@twfhk.org
