Kerala sees steep decline in birth rate; 35 percent decrease in 10 years

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The birth rate in the state is declining, with a 35% decrease over the past decade. In 2014, 5.34 lakh babies were born in Kerala, while in 2024, this number dropped to 3.45 lakh. This decline mirrors the global concern over falling birth rates. By 2019, the high birth rate of 2014 had decreased to 4.80 lakh. Over the next five years, it continued to decline gradually.

According to government data, birth rates have fallen across all districts, with Alappuzha witnessing the highest decline at 45%. Experts attribute this trend to a new generation's reluctance to have children and increasing migration to foreign countries. Additionally, doctors note a decrease in the number of people seeking infertility treatments under 30 and a rise in abortions.

Specialists also highlight that many young people delay having children due to various personal reasons, while some prefer to have only one child, and others choose not to have children at all.

10% births from migrant families

• Many people aged 18 to 45 migrate abroad for work. Due to better insurance coverage in foreign countries, they often do not return home for childbirth.
• Meanwhile, women from migrant worker families in Kerala account for around 10% of the births in the state, as per official data.

Birth rates in 2014 and 2024 (reduction within brackets)
Thiruvananthapuram...................50974, 31865 (19,109)

Kollam................................... 31414, 17834 (13,580)

Pathanamthitta............................16467, 10729 (5,738)

Alappuzha................................ 20639, 11426 (9,213)

Kottayam...................................27118, 16639 (10,479)

Idukki...................................13601, 8382 (5,219)

Ernakulam........................45207, 29894 (15,313)

Thrissur...................................51540, 28759 (22,781)

Palakkad................................41163, 24394 (16,769)

Malappuram...................................92283, 73569 (18,714)

Kozhikode...........................60268, 39317 (20,951)

Wayanad...................................14146, 10163 (3,983)

Kannur...................................47008, 28211 (18,797)

Kasaragod...................22630, 14369 (8,261)

Birth rate in last year

2.28 lakh-in cities
1.17 lakh-in villages