The number of babies born in England and Wales has hit its lowest level since the 1970s, with the fertility rate dropping to a record low of 1.44. In Scotland, the rate is even lower at 1.3. This decline reflects a global trend, with many countries facing similar decreases in birth rates. Reasons for this include high costs of raising children, pressures to stay in the workforce, difficulties finding suitable partners, and more people opting not to have children.
The BBC interviewed four people in their thirties to explore personal perspectives on this trend:
- Kari, 34 - A senior research fellow earning £53,000, Kari feels he cannot afford a child in London. He and his partner Kaitlyn, a PhD student, face high housing and childcare costs. Kari is open to adoption, believing it could address his concerns about climate change and provide stability to a child in need.
- Chris and Jemma - Chris, an HGV driver, and Jemma, a dog groomer, jointly earn £60,000 and have decided against having children due to financial constraints. Chris plans to undergo a vasectomy, a decision they made after thorough discussions on the costs and lifestyle changes associated with parenthood.
- Ellie, 39 - Wanting children but without a suitable partner, Ellie spent £18,000 on egg freezing. She hopes to use her eggs if she meets someone or becomes financially stable enough to pursue single parenthood via a sperm donor, though the cost remains high.
Each story highlights the economic, relational, and personal challenges influencing today’s decisions on parenthood.