India’s Declining Fertility Rate: How CIFAR IVF Centre Empowers Couples on Their Parenthood Journey

India is going through a significant demographic change. With 1.9 births per woman in 2025, the fertility rate has fallen below the replacement level for the first time in the nation’s history.

Although this represents advancements in women’s empowerment and population management, it also presents significant difficulties for couples hoping to start a family. Parenting is now more challenging than ever due to a combination of social demands, lifestyle changes, and rising infertility rates.

At CIFAR IVF Centre, led by the renowned Dr. Puneet Rana Arora, we believe that every couple deserves not just medical expertise, but holistic support throughout their fertility journey.

Our mission to Provide quality patient care and education that enhances the health and well-being of our communities and our future generations. To honor and empower every life into a healthier one.

Dr. Puneet Rana Arora: A Visionary in Fertility Care

Dr. Puneet Rana Arora, the Founder and Director of CIFAR IVF Centre, Gurugram, is recognized as one of India’s leading IVF experts. With over 24 years of global experience—Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, UK (FRCOG)—Dr. Arora brings world-class credentials and a compassionate approach to every patient.

Her accolades include the prestigious

✔ Recipient of the prestigious “Bharat Gaurav Award – Certificate of Excellence in Reproductive Medicine” in 2017

✔ Recipient of prestigious Asia Pacific Medical Excellence Award in 2023 ✔ Internationally trained infertility specialist, with over a decade of experience in the UK’s National Health Service

✔ Founder member of the Fertility Preservation Society in India and a pioneer in oncofertility awareness

Dr. Arora’s philosophy is rooted in evidence-based, empathetic care. She emphasizes,

“Infertility is a social and emotional journey rather than primarily a medical issue. In addition to offering the most cutting-edge reproductive treatments, our goal at CIFAR is to provide a supportive and caring environment where couples feel empowered to conquer any obstacle.

Understanding the Changing Landscape of Fertility in India

India’s fertility rate has seen a dramatic decline over the decades. From nearly 6 children per woman in 1960 to below two today, this trend is shaped by several factors:

• Socio-economic pressures: Urbanization, rising education levels, and career priorities are leading couples to delay or limit childbearing.
• Health and lifestyle: Conditions like PCOS, obesity, and stress are increasingly common, impacting fertility.  PCOS affects nearly 20% of Indian women of reproductive age
• Male Infertility: Accounts for nearly 50% of infertility cases, often linked to smoking, alcohol use, and obesity
• Cultural shifts: Changing family structures and increased awareness of reproductive choices are redefining parenthood.
• Environmental factors: Pollution and lifestyle changes are also affecting reproductive health.

Despite these challenges, the desire for parenthood remains strong. However, the path is often filled with emotional ups and downs, societal expectations, and, sometimes, stigma.

CIFAR IVF Centre: Your Partner in Parenthood

At CIFAR IVF Centre, we believe that successful fertility treatment is about more than just medical procedures. It’s about holistic care—addressing the emotional, psychological, and social aspects of your journey.

1. Expert Fertility Treatment

Our team of experienced fertility specialists uses the latest technologies and evidence-based protocols to maximize your chances of success. From basic fertility assessments to advanced IVF, IUI, Oncofertility Preservation and ICSI procedures, we offer personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.

2. Comprehensive Fertility Counselling

We know that infertility can be overwhelming. Our dedicated counsellors provide:

• One-on-one sessions: Helping you process emotions, manage stress, and make informed decisions.
• Couple counselling: Strengthening your partnership and communication throughout the journey.
• Educational workshops: Demystifying the IVF process, addressing myths, and setting realistic expectations.

3. Support Groups: Your Comfort Zone

No one should face infertility alone. Our IVF support groups are safe spaces where individuals and couples can:

• Share experiences: Connect with others who understand your struggles and triumphs.
• Offer encouragement: Celebrate milestones and provide hope during setbacks.
• Discuss sensitive topics: From motherhood and fatherhood to dealing with extended family, breaking stigmas, and navigating the IVF process.
• Build lifelong friendships: Many of our members find lasting bonds that extend beyond treatment.

4. Breaking Barriers and Overcoming Stigma

We actively work to challenge the stigma surrounding infertility and IVF. Through community outreach, awareness campaigns, and open dialogue, we empower couples to speak openly about their journeys and seek the support they deserve.

5. Holistic Mental Health Support

Our psychologists & fertility counsellors  and wellness experts offer:

• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: To reduce anxiety and promote emotional resilience.
• Stress management workshops: Helping you cope with the unique pressures of fertility treatment.
• Family counselling: Assisting couples in managing relationships with extended family and navigating societal expectations.

Real Stories, Real Support

At CIFAR IVF Centre, every story matters. Our community is filled with inspiring journeys—couples who have faced setbacks, overcome obstacles, and found hope through support and expert care.

Here’s what one of our couples shared:

• “Excellent experience.. Dr. Puneet us one of finest doctors I have met in this sector..
  Very positive environment.. supportive staff 💖 – swati malik

• Dr. Puneet Rana Arora and Dr. Ritu Sirohi are very supportive. They understood the exact problem and solved the Infertility issue. I have never seen such a wonderful doctors in my life. Really grateful to have both of them. Dr. Puneet is very sweet and calm in nature. Always thankful to CIFAR. – Bijoy Singha

• Dr. Puneet Arora took the time to thoroughly understand my medical history and customize a treatment plan that was tailored to my unique needs. She explained every step of the IVF process in detail, addressing all of my questions and concerns. Unlike other doctors I had seen, he never made me feel rushed or dismissed. –

Sehrish Wani

Begin Your Journey with CIFAR IVF Centre

If you’re struggling with infertility, know that you’re not alone. At CIFAR IVF Centre, we combine cutting-edge medical care with compassionate support to help you achieve your dream of parenthood.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation or join one of our support groups. Let’s walk this journey together—because every family’s story deserves hope, support, and a happy ending.

CIFAR IVF Centre
Empowering Dreams. Supporting Families. Creating Life.

1. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/drpuneetranaarora_ivfclinic-vott-ivftreatmentcenter-activity-7211639523452100609-Ebkb
2. India’s fertility rate drops below replacement level even as population hits 1.46 billion: UN report – The Economic Times
3. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Jun/10/indias-fertility-drops-below-replacement-rate-as-population-reaches-146bn-un-report
4. https://ourworldindata.org/fertility-rate