May 19th, National Population Day, is an opportune moment to review social policies and attitudes regarding childbearing, marriage, and family health. The declining population trend and movement towards an aging population are among the serious challenges that threaten the country's social, economic, and even security future. In this note, while examining Iran's population statistics, we will look at the social and health consequences of the declining birth rate, the increase in single-child and childless families, and finally, the role that Royan Cord Blood Bank can play in the future health of the country.
Declining Birth Rate in Iran; An Alarm Bell for the Future According to statistics released by the National Organization for Civil Registration, the number of births in the year 1403 (2024-2025) was approximately 890,000. This is while in 1402 (2023-2024), about 920,000 births were registered. This gradual decrease indicates a declining fertility rate in Iran over the last decade. Compared to the 2000s, when the number of births annually exceeded 1.5 million, current statistics clearly show that Iran is facing a rapid decline in birth rates.
Iran on the Path to Population Aging According to the Statistical Center of Iran's report, the proportion of the elderly population (60 years and older) has increased from 10.2% in 2016 to 12.4% in 2024, and predictions indicate that by 2041, more than 25% of Iran's population will be elderly. Population aging, with a decrease in the labor force, increased healthcare costs, and pressure on the social security system, is a serious threat to the country's economic stability and social welfare.
Increase in Single-Child Families One of the most significant reasons for concern about the future population is the considerable growth of single-child families in Iran. According to demographic studies conducted in 2023, about 42% of families with children in Iran have only one child. The reasons for this include economic problems, parents' career concerns, housing limitations, and worries about the children's future.
Increase in Childless Families In addition to the increase in single-child families, the number of childless families is also rising. Unofficial statistics show that about 18% of Iranian couples remain childless within the first five years of marriage. Part of this is due to delayed marriage and an increase in the age of fertility, and part is due to the rising infertility rate, which, according to the Ministry of Health, has reached about 20% of couples in Iran; this figure is higher than the global average (15%).
Declining Marriage Rate and Delayed Childbearing According to civil registration statistics, the number of marriages in 2024 decreased to approximately 440,000, while this figure was typically over 700,000 marriages per year in the 2000s. Multiple factors, including economic problems, unemployment, social instability, and longer education, have led to delayed marriage and an increase in the age of fertility. The average age of marriage for Iranian women has now reached 24.6 years and for men 29.3 years, which is a significant increase compared to previous decades.
Threats of Population Decline for Society Population decline and fertility rates can have detrimental effects on the country's development: Decrease in young workforce and increased economic dependency Pressure on the pension and social security system Closure of schools and reduced demand for education Serious threat to economic security and sustainable growth Increase in foreign labor imports to compensate for specialized shortages Increasing Diseases and Cancers; Another Challenge In addition to the declining birth rate, the prevalence of chronic diseases, immune deficiencies, and cancers is also increasing in Iran. Modern lifestyle, air pollution, consumption of unhealthy foods, increased maternal age, and genetic influences are among the factors that have led to an increase in childhood cancers and blood disorders.
Some common childhood diseases that require advanced treatments such as stem cell transplantation include: Leukemia (blood cancer) Thalassemia major Immune system deficiency Rare metabolic disorders
Threats to Single-Child Families; Challenge in Disease Treatment In families with only one child, if specific diseases such as blood cancer or thalassemia occur, finding a suitable stem cell donor is much more difficult. In many cases, the best treatment option is to use the patient's sibling's cord blood stem cells; however, in single-child families, this possibility is eliminated, and the golden opportunity for treatment may be lost.
When Compatible Stem Cell Sample is Not Available, Cord Blood is Life-Saving In cases where a compatible stem cell sample cannot be found for the patient, storing the newborn's cord blood can be life-giving and life-saving. Stem cells found in cord blood can be used to treat dozens of intractable diseases such as: Blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma) Immune deficiency diseases Congenital anemias Genetic disorders Most importantly, cord blood can only be collected once in a lifetime, at birth. This valuable cellular resource, with advanced storage technology, can be preserved for years for the individual or their family and used when needed.
Royan Cord Blood Bank; An Extensive Network Serving the Health of the Next Generation Royan Cord Blood Bank, as the first and largest cord blood bank in the country, began its activities in 2005 with the aim of promoting the health of the next generation, and to date, it has stored over 180,000 cord blood samples under safe and standard conditions. This bank, under the supervision of Academic Jihad and with international accreditations, has played an effective role in treating patients using stem cells.
Full Coverage Across the Country One of Royan Cord Blood Bank's strengths is its widespread accessibility in all provinces of Iran. By establishing representative offices in more than 35 provincial and city centers, it has made it as easy as possible for parents to receive consultation, submit samples, and follow up on contracts.
Royan Cord Blood Bank also works closely with infertility treatment centers, hospitals, maternity wards, and gynecologists so that pregnant mothers can make informed and scientific decisions about storing their child's cord blood. On National Population Day, beyond slogans, the crisis of population decline and increasing diseases should be addressed with a scientific approach, practical solutions, and public participation. Families should know that the decision to have a child not only plays an important role in maintaining population balance but can also ensure the family's future health.
In this regard, cord blood storage is a scientific, forward-thinking, and responsible action that parents can take for the health of their children and family. Royan Cord Blood Bank, as a pioneer in this field, is ready to provide consultation and storage services across the country.
If you are pregnant or on the verge of having a child, contact the Royan Cord Blood Bank representative office in your province today and benefit from free expert consultation. A bright and healthy future for your child begins today.
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