The latest statistics show that 50.1% of women born in 1990 do still not have children. Half a century ago, in 1971, only 18% of 30-year-old women had no children. The ONS notes that currently, the average age for a first child is 31. 

“We are observing a maternity delay among women born in 1990. The childlessness level is rising systematically. The lowering level of fertility in women after the age of 20 will strengthen this trend,” commented Amanda Sharfman from ONS.

Interestingly, a report published by the ONS in April 2020 reveals that since 1972, the number of marriages has dropped by 45%. It is relatively difficult not to link both these issues. 

However, not everyone is worried about this situation. Jo Mountfield, à maternity health care provider from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, told The Guardian that “thanks to the progress in science, medicine, technology, the access to contraception, and egg freezing, women have more control over when they want to have children.”

However, she also pointed out that women should be aware of the fact that after the age of 35, the risk of complications of pregnancy is increasing.  

Cover photo: Unsplash

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen