Morocco’s fertility rate stands at 2.2 children per woman in 2025, just above the population replacement threshold, yet a new UN report warns that the real crisis lies not in declining birth rates, but in the widespread inability of Moroccans to control when and how they have children.
A recent report by the United Nations Population Fund, published Tuesday and titled “The Real Fertility Crisis: The Pursuit of Reproductive Agency in a Changing World” said Morocco, with a projected population of 38.4 million in 2025, is experiencing moderate demographic growth, improved health outcomes, and greater access to reproductive health services.
However, the country still grapples with challenges related to economic constraints, limited reproductive autonomy, and social pressures shaping fertility decisions.
Morocco’s population is largely youthful, with a significant portion under 25 years old, while the majority are of working age, and a smaller share are seniors, according to the report.
Moroccan respondents offered valuable insight into the country’s reproductive and fertility trends, with economic constraints emerging as the most frequently cited barriers to achieving the desired family size– nearly half cited financial hardship, while housing limitations, job insecurity, and lack of quality childcare were also significant factors.
On the other hand, 20% of respondents indicated that they had more children than they wanted due to social pressure from religion, community expectations, or health workers.
Access to reproductive health services remains a major issue: up to 33% of respondents in Morocco said they had been unable to obtain needed services related to contraception or procreation.
The report highlights limits in reproductive autonomy: many felt constrained, with 20% of men and 18% of women unable to use preferred contraceptive methods, and some were pressured either to continue or prevent pregnancy against their wishes.
Overall, about 70% of Moroccan men and women reported at least one limitation in reproductive agency, including social pressures, restricted healthcare access, and unequal decision-making, despite progress in education and supportive laws.
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