Kerala sees sharp birth rate drop, raising economic, health fears

Kerala, long admired for its human development metrics, is now facing a sharp demographic shift as birth rates plunge. Deliveries have dropped nearly 32% over a decade—from 4.7 lakh in 2015–16 to a projected 3.2 lakh in 2024–25. Recent years show an accelerating decline, signaling a deeper transition that could significantly impact the state’s economy and healthcare system.