Every $1 invested in reproductive health returns $26 in shared prosperity.

How can investments in reproductive health generate returns as high as $26 for every dollar spent? One answer lies in how population changes interact with health, education, and opportunity. The idea is simple: When more people are healthy, educated, and able to plan their lives, economies are better positioned to grow. 

Economies grow faster when more of the population is of working age. When people are empowered to choose if and when they have children, families are smaller and births are better spaced, leading to a rise in working-age adults relative to dependents. This shift frees up household and public resources, making it easier to invest in healthcare, education, and the economy.

At the household level, parents can invest more time and resources into each child’s care, health, and education. Women and girls, who often carry disproportionate caregiving responsibilities, become more likely to stay in school, enter the workforce, and pursue opportunities of their choosing. At the societal level, a virtuous cycle begins as each generation becomes a better-educated, healthier workforce with greater personal freedom and agency.

In countries with large, young populations, investments in reproductive health—especially those that reduce unintended pregnancies—can profoundly propel the economy in a way that supports people’s choice and agency. These benefits are not automatic. They require inclusive policies that enable people to participate fully in society. 

Experiences from parts of Asia, Latin America, and North Africa show that when reproductive health investments are paired with education, jobs, and inclusive policies, countries can see lasting improvements in health, opportunity, and economic security—benefits that extend well beyond any single generation.