The Impact of Reproductive Awareness and Women’s Empowerment on Fertility Rates in Saudi Arabia: A Behavioral Economics Perspective

Abstract

This study investigates how reproductive awareness and women’s empowerment have shaped fertility rates in Saudi Arabia from 1999 - 2024 using an ARDL framework. The analysis examines short- and long-run links between fertility and key factors including contraceptive use, skilled birth attendance, female labor-force participation, and women’s income. Results show that women’s economic empowerment is strongly associated with lower fertility, with income acting as a moderator that reinforces the fertility decline driven by reproductive awareness while reducing the influence of healthcare improvements. These findings suggest that fertility transitions are primarily driven by economic incentives, highlighting the importance of aligning empowerment and health initiatives with Saudi Vision 2030.