For Elon Musk, the richest man in the world and owner of Tesla and SpaceX, low birth rates are a threat to humanity’s survival.
At a The Wall Street Journal event, the CEO said:
“I think one of the biggest risks to civilization is low birth rates and their rapid decline. Many, even smart people, believe there are already too many people in the world and that the population is growing out of control. It’s the exact opposite. Look at the numbers: if we don’t have more children, civilization will collapse. Take note.”
Elon Musk
Father of six, Musk asserts that fewer births affect employment, innovation, and technological progress, and warns that without generational replacement, our species could disappear.
What do the data say about falling birth rates?
According to the World Bank, the global birth rate has declined since the 1960s. While in Sub-Saharan Africa it exceeds 30 births per 1,000 people, in developed countries it hovers around 9–12 per 1,000.
Situation in Mexico
The INEGI reports that the rate fell from 30 ‰ in 1990 to under 17 ‰ in 2020. This reflects socioeconomic advances but also pressures pension and health systems by reducing generational renewal.
Why can higher life expectancy hinder progress?
Between 1960 and 2020, global life expectancy rose from 52 to over 72 years. Musk argues that living longer preserves outdated ideas:
“I think it’s important for people to die because they normally don’t change their minds. If we lived forever, we could become a static society where new ideas don’t prosper.”
Elon Musk
In addition, many DINK (double income, no kids) couples postpone or forgo parenthood to focus on their careers and lifestyles.
Assisted reproduction options
Today there are techniques like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). They allow laboratory fertilization of oocytes with success rates of 25 % to 40 % per cycle, depending on age and ovarian reserve.
Advantages of IVF
- Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) to prevent hereditary diseases.
- Selection of viable embryos, increasing implantation chances.
Medical recommendations
Do not self-medicate. Before starting any treatment, consult a specialist in assisted reproduction to evaluate your case and optimize your chances of pregnancy.
At Ingenes we have high-complexity protocols that have helped hundreds of couples achieve their dream of becoming parents.
Frequently asked questions
1. Why does Musk warn about humanity’s disappearance?
He bases it on the global decline in birth rates and increased life expectancy. Without enough births, the population ages without generational replacement, affecting employment, innovation, and the sustainability of health and pension systems.
2. What factors influence low birth rates?
Greater access to education and employment for women, urbanization, cost of living, personal priorities, and changes in social values. Many couples wait to stabilize their careers and finances before having children.
3. How does assisted reproduction help?
Techniques like IVF and intrauterine insemination overcome infertility causes: blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm quality, advanced maternal age, or ovulatory problems. With hormones (FSH, hCG), oocyte quality is optimized and pregnancy rates can reach 40 % per cycle in women under 35.
4. Lifestyle recommendations
Maintain a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m², perform moderate exercise (150 min/week), and follow a diet rich in folic acid, iron, and omega-3. Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and chronic stress. Consult your doctor before taking supplements or herbs.
Sources
- World Bank. (2021). Total fertility rate. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.TFRT.IN
- INEGI. (2020). Natality in Mexico. https://www.inegi.org.mx/temas/natalidad/
- MedlinePlus. (2022). In vitro fertilization. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007300.htm
- Barrett, L., & Sherwin, J. (2020). Reproductive aging. doi:10.1097/GRF.0000000000000576
We know this journey can be difficult. Don’t lose hope and always seek guidance from a fertilization specialist. Your dream of becoming a parent is possible!