Birth rates in Gaza have sharply declined since the war began in October 2023. A human rights organization argues that this situation cannot be explained merely as a side effect of the war but constitutes a distinct form of violation targeting reproductive rights.
Official data shared by the organization points to a particularly steep drop in the early months of 2026. In April 2026, 2,004 babies were born in Gaza, representing a 67% decrease compared to 6,076 births recorded in November 2025.
The decline continued from the start of the year. In January 2026, 5,210 births were recorded, dropping to 3,433 in February, 3,233 in March, and according to interior ministry records, only 1,701 babies were born in May.
The organization also compared pre-war and wartime data. Approximately 57,000 babies were born in Gaza in 2022, decreasing to 54,000 in 2023 and further down to 38,000 in 2024. This represents a 38% decline compared to pre-war levels.
The report also highlights a rise in miscarriages as a separate concern. In April 2026, 921 miscarriages were recorded, equating to 460 miscarriages per 1,000 live births and accounting for about 46% of registered pregnancies during the same period.
According to the organization, the total number of miscarriages reached approximately 6,000 throughout 2025. In 2026, monthly miscarriages ranged between 500 and 600, marking an approximate 225% increase compared to natural pre-war levels.
The organization contends that these figures show the destruction in Gaza extends beyond deaths, severely impacting the community's biological reproductive capacity. This situation is framed as part of "measures to prevent births," which could be considered a material element of genocide.
The report also emphasizes that the collapse of the healthcare system has deepened this crisis. Hospitals, primary healthcare centers, maternity units, and assisted reproduction centers have been destroyed; healthcare workers have been killed or detained; and the entry of medicines and medical supplies has been restricted.
The organization draws attention to the effects of hunger and malnutrition on pregnancy. Forced displacement, constant fear, insecurity, and lack of privacy increase the risk of miscarriage and pregnancy complications. Additionally, frozen embryos in some facilities have been damaged.
The statement calls on the international community to independently investigate the sharp decline in birth rates and the rise in miscarriages. It urges the restoration of reproductive health services in Gaza, securing food and medical aid for pregnant women and newborns, and holding accountable those responsible for the policies that led to this collapse.
