Falling Fertility Rates in England and Wales: Economic Challenges and Personal Decisions

Official data indicates that the birth rate in England and Wales has reached its lowest point since the 1970s. The fertility rate, defined as the average number of children born per woman over her reproductive lifespan, currently stands at an unprecedented low of 1.44. Scotland records an even lower rate of 1.3. This trend is not exclusive to Britain; a majority of nations are observing a decrease in fertility, with some actively implementing measures to stimulate a rise in births. What factors contribute to this reduction in fertility? Key reasons include the substantial expense of raising children, the imperative to maintain employment, and difficulties in securing a suitable partner. Furthermore, increasing evidence suggests a growing number of young adults have no intentions of having children whatsoever. BBC News interviewed two women and two men in their thirties, which represents the typical age for individuals to become parents in England and Wales, to gather their perspectives on this matter. Kari Aaron Clark, a senior research fellow employed by the Royal Academy of Engineering, earns £53,000, yet believes he cannot afford to raise a child in London. Four years prior, his income was £22,000 during his PhD studies. His partner, Kaitlyn, a current PhD student, faces comparable financial pressures. Consequently, even with Kari’s income being higher than average, he has had limited opportunity to save for a home, which he considers crucial before starting a family due to the “relatively insecure” aspect of renting. He also highlights childcare expenses. A recent report from the children’s charity Coram indicates that the typical weekly cost for a full-time childcare spot for children under three in the UK is approximately £300, while in inner London, it approaches £430. Kari states that Kaitlyn shares his opinions, and both express worry regarding the impacts of the climate crisis. “I’m quite happy with the idea of adopting. That way I’m helping someone already struggling in the system,” he says. “I can adopt after they’ve got through the childcare stage.” However, despite his present skepticism about the feasibility of having a biological child, Kari asserts he “wouldn’t write it off”. Chris Taylor, an HGV driver, and Jemma Wrathmell, a dog groomer, have a combined income of approximately £60,000 and have been a couple for 11 years. Residing in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, they contemplated having children. “We have had deep conversations where we go through the options and discuss things like school, cost and routine,” Gemma says. Nevertheless, they concluded that the expenses were prohibitive. “After all our bills and essentials there is no room in the budget to accommodate a child,” Chris says. “We don’t see how our finances will get any better within the next few years.” Consequently, they have made a “definitive decision”; Chris plans to undergo a vasectomy, following years of Gemma using a contraceptive implant. “Some people have said you’ll change your mind, but they know it’s our decision,” says Jemma. She further states, “I’m also not that maternal.” Ellie Lambert, a resident of Sheffield, desires to have children but reports an inability to find an appropriate partner. Two years ago, she invested £18,000 in two rounds of egg freezing. “I find it really frustrating, it’s a lot of cost for something that may not ever lead to anything,” she says. She intends to utilize these eggs should she find a partner, or if her financial circumstances allow her to “go it alone” with assistance from a sperm donor. Ellie expresses apprehension regarding the increased financial burden on single-parent families. A report published last year by the Child Poverty Action Group revealed that the average expense of raising a child to 18 years of age amounted to £166,000 for a couple and £220,000 for a single parent. Although Ellie anticipated meeting someone by her late 20s, “despite proactively being on all of the apps, it just didn’t happen.” She describes dating as having become “fruitless,” attributing this to the vast array of choices presented by dating apps and a reduced willingness among individuals to commit. However, proceeding independently would represent “a big decision,” according to Ellie, who feels fortunate to have a good income. Having already used her savings for egg freezing, she estimates an additional cost of £10,000 to use a sperm donor with IVF. Dami Olonisakin, a sex and relationships podcaster based in London, views advancements in fertility treatments, like egg freezing, as “empowering,” providing women with “more control than ever.” She states that motherhood is not a decision “to be taken lightly.” “Childcare costs are soaring, maternity policies are limited, women basically have to think really hard,” she says. She also desires to establish a “support system” with a long-term partner prior to having children. Yet, she is not rushing the process. “I don’t feel I’m in a rush to settle down and have kids just because it’s expected,” she says. Instead, she is prioritizing her career, having grown up in a household that “didn’t have anything.” “I remember thinking to myself, ‘I am never ever putting a child through this’,” she says. She adds, “[My parents] absolutely did their best, but I’ve always said I will not have a child until I’m… ready.” These circumstances prompt an inquiry into the implications for the future if birth rates continue to fall. Brienna Perelli-Harris, a professor of demography at the University of Southampton, explains that decreasing fertility rates signify not merely a delay in parenthood, but an increasing inclination among individuals to forgo having children entirely. Information from the recent UK Generations and Gender Survey indicates that childless adults today possess considerably less certainty about having children, with 25% of individuals aged 18 to 25 stating they would probably or definitely not have a child. “Gen Z are more likely to want to stay childless,” she says. “Before, it might have been more of a taboo – it’s now more acceptable.” She attributes this to economic elements such as prospective income, childcare expenses, and job opportunities. “In the long term… the population will start to shrink,” Prof Perelli-Harris further states. “If it gets to 1.3 [children per woman] – that’s seen as very low and government should start getting concerned.” Worries have previously emerged regarding diminishing fertility rates in nations with sustained downward trends, encompassing the necessity for a larger young workforce to serve as caregivers for an aging populace and contribute taxes. However, populations can persist in growing for an extended period even after fertility drops below 2.1 children per woman, which is recognized as the replacement level—the birth rate needed for a population to sustain itself across generations—according to the ONS. This situation applies to the UK and other nations such as Spain and Italy, where fertility rates are even lower. “Immigration can stall population decline or even reverse it,” states Prof Perelli-Harris. “I do not think we will see the UK population start to decline for the foreseeable future, although the ageing of the population will become even more pronounced.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.