IBSA Foundation Presents New Study in Zurich on Switzerland's Declining Birth Rate

The falling birth rate and the decreasing desire for parenthood represent a complex and central issue for the future of society. To analyse this growing phenomenon in depth, IBSA Foundation for scientific research – the main promoter of the IBSA Group's social responsibility programme – and the University of Zurich  have conducted and developed the study  “Parenthood in Switzerland – A Report on (In)fertility and Childlessness”.

The research was presented during a round table discussion on 9 June at the Careum Auditorium in Zurich (Switzerland), bringing together scientists, doctors, and politicians. The study explores how the decline in the birth rate is the result of a cultural shift, where parenthood is no longer considered a milestone to be taken for granted, but a deliberate choice that takes into account self-fulfilment, the emotional connection with children, financial matters, and uncertainty about the future.

PARENTHOOD: A LIFE CHOICE

The results highlight that Switzerland is in line with European trends, showing that parenthood is increasingly seen as a life choice. Specifically, the research shows that:

• The percentage of young people choosing not to have children has almost tripled in ten years, rising from 6% to 17%.
• The average age for a first child is 31.3, among the highest in Europe, confirming that parenthood is being increasingly postponed.
• Infertility is an experience that affects 1 in 5 people, but it is rarely discussed, and its psychological impact is still poorly recognised.
• There are information gaps: one-third of the population believes that female fertility only declines significantly after the age of 40, a scientifically incorrect fact.

“Our results indicate that the decline in births in Switzerland cannot be attributed to a single cause,” commented Prof. Dr. Jörg Rössel, Professor of Sociology at the University of Zurich and one of the study's leaders. “The survey reflects a profound transformation in the values and life plans of the population. The very concept of the family is also changing: emotional bonds and caregiving are taking on greater importance compared to traditional family structures.”

THE EVENT IN ZURICH: BREAKING THE SILENCE SURROUNDING INFERTILITY

During the round table, moderated by journalist and presenter Marina Villa, these results and their implications were discussed. Experts in sociology, reproductive medicine, and politics debated the demographic picture, the reasons for the falling birth rate, the often-ignored biological limits, and the implications for public policy and the healthcare system.

The debate strongly highlighted the need to break the silence and taboos that still surround infertility and to bridge the gap between scientific progress and current laws.

“This research continues the journey that the IBSA Foundation began in Switzerland in 2017 to explore the relationship between fertility, parenthood, and social changes. Today, the context has profoundly changed, and it is no longer enough to question the biological or medical aspects: it is necessary to understand how expectations, life plans, and the very meaning of family are evolving. This study offers a solid basis for addressing these questions with data and not with perceptions,” states Silvia Misiti, Director of the IBSA Foundation.

IBSA FOUNDATION AND THE UNIVERSITY OF ZURICH

The study is a concrete example of the mission of IBSA Foundation for scientific research: to promote "Science for all" and to translate the complexity of scientific research to stimulate an informed and constructive debate.

Collaboration with excellent academic partners, such as the University of Zurich in this project, is a key element of this approach, which ensures the scientific rigour necessary to tackle complex topics and offer society a solid foundation of knowledge on which to reflect.