England and Wales Births Hit 50-Year Low as 3 Million UK Women Likely Stay Childfree
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 28
England and Wales Births Hit 50-Year Low as 3 Million UK Women Likely Stay Childfree
1 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 28
Summary
Births in England and Wales fell for a fourth straight year in 2025, reaching their lowest level in nearly half a century as more UK women opt to remain childfree.
Centre for Social Justice research estimates about 3 million women aged 16 to 45 are likely to stay childfree; at their grandparents’ birth rates, 600,000 more would be having children.
Rising housing and childcare costs, insecure incomes, delayed financial independence and later marriage were cited as key pressures, while 38% of women not wanting children said career advancement was a reason.
Women interviewed also pointed to climate fears, war, travel and personal freedom, saying online communities helped validate a choice that still faces family and social scrutiny.
The report argues policy and social support for motherhood have weakened, suggesting the decline reflects both economic strain and a broader shift away from parenthood as the default.