Data Shows Twin Birth Rates Up 79% Since 1990 in Jordan: HPC

Amman: The Higher Population Council (HPC) is commemorating World Twins Day 2026 on Saturday, August 1st, by highlighting the significant increase in twin birth rates in Jordan over the past decades. This trend has emerged despite the inherent risks associated with twin pregnancies, such as the possibility of pregnancy loss and related health complications. According to Jordan News Agency, the HPC reported that statistics from family surveys, health, and civil records indicate a substantial rise in twin birth rates-from approximately 24 twins per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 29 in 2007, and subsequently to 43 twins per 1,000 live births in 2025. This represents a 79% increase since 1990, as evidenced by data from the Civil Status and Passports Department. The official figures reveal that the number of registered Jordanian twin births in 2025 was about 6,531, with mothers aged 30-34 comprising the largest proportion at 34% of all twin births. Those aged 25-29 followed closely, accounting for 32%. The highest twin birth rate was found in the 35-39 age group, with 54 twins per 1,000 live births. The council attributes this upward trend to couples in these age groups resorting to assisted reproductive technologies and biological factors associated with advanced maternal age. Moreover, two-thirds of twin births were to mothers aged 25-34, a statistic influenced by advancements in medical technology and its increasing success rates in Jordan. Despite these advancements, the HPC also highlighted the risks associated with twin pregnancies. Such pregnancies are high-risk for mothers, fetuses, and newborns, often resulting in higher chances of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight. These conditions frequently necessitate extended neonatal intensive care, incurring high costs and elevating the risk of pregnancy complications for the mother. The council emphasized the necessity of raising awareness among families and healthcare providers about the importance of specialized and comprehensive healthcare for mo thers expecting twins. This includes care before, during, and after delivery to mitigate risks and improve outcomes. Furthermore, the HPC underscored the need to bolster specialized healthcare services to reduce complications associated with multiple pregnancies, improve maternal and child health indicators, and lower the rate of twin pregnancy loss. They also addressed the humanitarian impact of twin pregnancy loss on couples, highlighting the health, psychological, and economic hardships faced by those who have pursued conception through medical technology. In response, the Ministry of Health has issued guidelines to enhance fertility center practices, aiming to increase the likelihood of live births for couples experiencing infertility. In 2025, the council published a paper titled "Twin Births in Jordan: Facts and Risks" to fill the gap in statistics on twin pregnancies and births and raise awareness of the associated health risks. This initiative is part of the council's broader efforts to improve rep roductive health and support the objectives of the Jordanian National Reproductive Health Strategy 2020-2030, as well as the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals related to ensuring healthy lives for all.