It is no surprise that, in recent times, our society has evolved in more ways than one. Many measurable changes have taken place in the last century, both evolutionary and industrial. One such change is that of smaller family size. Research has shown that there has been a 50% decrease in the average total fertility rate in the last 40 years. So why are couples having less children? Could it have anything to do with the cost of abortion pill in the UK, or is it just another trend? Are there other reasons behind this decline?
How much has the fertility rate decreased globally? What are its implications?
According to multiple studies, it was found that the average fertility rate has been falling consistently over the past few decades.
Research conducted at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington showed that the global fertility rate halved to 2.4 children per woman in 2017 from 4.7 children per woman in the 1950s. The researchers predicted that this number may fall to 1.7 by the 2100s. These figures may be seen as alarming, because if this figure falls below 2.1, the population size may start to decrease.
When the population starts to decline, it may result in the following problems:
- Smaller workforce
- Less care for the elderly
- Increased cost of living
- Social isolation
- Fewer technological advancements and innovations
- Poorer diversity
So, why are people having fewer children?
While it is no surprise now that couples these days are opting for a smaller family size, you might be wondering why this is the case. The most common reasons include:
- Access to contraception
In recent times, contraceptives have become more accessible to the general population. In fact, many clinics will give out condoms for free, and hormonal birth control methods such as the mini pill and intrauterine devices (IUD) are available at no extra charge through the National Health Service.
Thanks to recent changes in the law, women are now able to easily obtain abortion pills at home without attending a clinic in person. Although you can get treatment on the NHS for free, the cost of abortion pill in the UK at a private clinic is around £500 and this comes with the benefit of not having to wait for treatment. There are also many support services and groups available for those who have gone through abortion.
The accessibility of these options has prevented unwanted pregnancies, helping people make the right choices for their future.
- Economic factors
With the cost of living increasing, less opportunity to save money and increases in redundancies at workplaces across the globe, couples are choosing not to have kids simply because they cannot afford it.
There are many expenses associated with raising a child – from their education and its associated costs such as textbooks and uniforms, to healthcare and out-of-school activities. All of these expenses add up and result in some people avoiding having children for fear of not being able to provide that child with a good quality of life.
- Changed social norms
Having a small family is now the norm; however, society is also more understanding and empathetic towards couples that decide not to have children. This is especially true for women, who were once expected to get married and have children as soon as possible, but now have more freedom and independence to choose a child-free life.
- Infertility
There are a number of causes of modern day infertility, including sexually transmitted infections; smoking and alcoholism; overexposure to toxic chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA); and obesity. This makes it harder to conceive a child without fertility treatments. Undergoing fertility treatment is also emotionally and physically taxing, not to mention costly, which discourages couples and adds additional stress to the process of having a child.
- Lifestyle
Many people choose to put their careers before family life, or even prefer to pursue a rich social life or one spent developing skills and engaging in activities that would not be possible with children. In addition, people with responsibilities such as caring for sick or elderly relatives, may not be able to commit to having a family.
It is important to note that while the above reasons may apply to many people who are not having children, there are also other factors that may influence someone’s choice or ability to have children, including cultural and political considerations.
What to do if you’re not sure about becoming a parent?
If you are unsure about whether you see children in your future, there are things you can do to get a better understanding of the choice in front of you, and make a decision that is right for you:
- Consider the reasons why you may or may not want to become a parent
A discussion with your partner about questions such as, ‘why do you want to become a parent?’, ‘what expectations do you have for parenting?’ and ‘how will a child affect your current life?’, is a great way to get started. Questions like these can result in clarity of thought and can help both partners arrive on the same page.
If you are single, and are considering whether or not you would like to have a child without a partner through adoption or egg or sperm donation, you can ask yourself the same questions. Remember to be honest with yourself, and perhaps seek advice from someone who has gone through a similar scenario.
- Assess your lifestyle commitments
It is important to understand that having a child requires you to make changes in your lifestyle, which may involve sacrificing some of the things you enjoy. Assessing your ability to commit to these changes at different stages of the child’s life will help you understand more about whether you are ready to become a parent.
- Use contraceptives
If you are unsure about starting a family, using methods of contraception such as condoms, IUDs or birth control pills can prevent unwanted pregnancies.
If you or your partner falls pregnant, and the pregnancy is unwanted, the option of abortion is available up to 24 weeks into the pregnancy in the UK. Abortion can be carried out past this point under very limited circumstances, such as a threat to the mother’s life.
Medical abortions (induced by medication in pill form) can be carried out at home up to 10 weeks. Surgical abortions can be carried out from six weeks, and require you to attend a clinic or hospital for the procedure.
- Consult a therapist
If you are unable to make a decision and find yourself feeling stressed or pressured, it is recommended to consult a counsellor. A counsellor will be able to help you collect your thoughts and can support you in making the right decision based on your current situation.
Should you become a parent?
While fertility rates are reported to be dropping across the world, choosing to have a child is a personal decision and shouldn’t be influenced by news headlines. Many factors may influence your decision of whether or not you should start a family, but the best way to deal with all this is to think about what is right for you, and discuss your options with your partner and loved ones.
