Facing Unprecedented Challenges: The Impact of Declining Birth Rates on Women and Global Society

The Brewington’s Choice: A Reflection of a Global Trend

When Sara and Ben Brewington tied the knot and settled in Los Angeles, they thought children would soon follow. After all, that’s what many people do, right? But instead of rushing into parenthood, they took their time. They focused on their careers, traveled, and enjoyed life together. Sara began to reflect deeply on her desires. Eventually, she concluded, “No, it’s not for me.” Her husband Ben agreed: “I don’t feel guilty about it.”

At 35, the Brewingtons are part of a larger trend. Many couples in the U.S. and worldwide are having fewer children—or none at all. In fact, studies show that more couples nowadays are consciously choosing to remain childless.

Sarah noted a significant concern: “As people retire, who will be left to work?” A report from the United Nations reveals that the average number of children born to women around the globe has dropped to its lowest point. In many nations, the birth rate has declined rapidly, particularly in wealthier countries.

Economist Melissa Kearney from Notre Dame, who specializes in rich countries’ fertility patterns, emphasizes that this shift is driven by positive changes, especially in women’s rights and opportunities. “Young women have more choices than ever,” she explains. They can focus on their careers or enjoy leisure time without the societal pressures of having children.

For instance, a recent UN study highlighted that the global fertility rate now stands at an all-time low, with women giving birth to fewer than half as many children as they did in the 1960s. This change is significant. In the U.S., about 50% of women now reach 30 without having children, up from around 33% two decades ago.

Lusely Martinez, a 35-year-old mother who thought she’d want three kids, now has only one. “Raising a child is costly,” she says. “We had to think long and hard about it.”

But what’s behind this shift? It’s not that people have grown to dislike children. As Kearney puts it, “There are just so many other choices now.” The decision to wait or avoid parenthood is deeply personal. For many, it’s about weighing affordability and lifestyle against societal expectations.

Politicians have started to take notice. In the U.S., concerns about declining birth rates have led some to propose policies to encourage higher fertility. Pronatalism advocates argue on behalf of families, pushing for measures like child tax credits and more comprehensive childcare options. However, those proposals often come with skepticism. Some fear they may limit women’s rights or treat children as mere economic necessities.

As the U.S. navigates this complex issue, it’s clear that couples’ decisions about parenthood are often influenced by numerous factors beyond their control. While some individuals express apprehension over perceived societal pressures, others feel empowered to make personal choices.

The Brewingtons, like many others, illustrate that not wanting children today can be just as valid a choice in modern society as the traditional path. It reflects a changing mindset where individual desires and life goals take the front seat, reshaping the narrative around family and parenting for future generations.

For more information on global population trends, visit the United Nations Population Division’s report.

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