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Low fertility, high stakes: demographic and economic implications of Malaysia’s fertility decline and the case for a National Fertility Insurance Policy
Item Type: Scientific Poster
Editor:
Year: 00/11/2025
Abstract: Malaysia’s fertility rate has fallen to 1.6 births per woman (2024), below replacement level for more than a decade. This decline is driven by delayed marriage, economic pressures, and limited financial support for infertility care. Infertility affects 1 in 6 adults globally, yet treatment in Malaysia remains largely self-funded, leading to inequalities in access and increased emotional and economic burden. Understanding these barriers is critical to strengthen national demographic resilience. Conclusion, Malaysia’s fertility decline is a multidimensional issue requiring urgent clinical, policy, and economic intervention. The National Fertility Insurance (NFI) framework presents a strategic, sustainable, equitable policy mechanism to improve reproductive health access, sustain population growth, and strengthen socioeconomic resilience. Strategic investment in fertility care can safeguard Malaysia’s socioeconomic future.
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