‘It’s not a nice world to bring children into’: Births fall to the lowest level in 50 years

A Nurse’s Perspective

It s not a nice world – Stacey Waring, a 40-year-old nurse from Nottingham, reflects on the challenges of raising children in the modern era. “It’s just not a very nice world to bring people into,” she says. “Why would I consciously do that when I can choose not to?” Her words echo a growing sentiment among parents who are reevaluating their decisions to have children, contributing to a broader trend of declining birth rates across the UK and globally.

“If I think of the childhood I had, I was one of the last generations to grow up playing outside without a mobile phone. It’s very different now,” she adds.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that births in England and Wales dropped for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, reaching their lowest level in nearly half a century. This marks a significant shift in demographic patterns, with 585,000 live births recorded—a decrease of 10,000 from the previous year. The rate of children born per woman fell to just under 1.4 in 2025, compared to 1.9 in 2010. Such a decline underscores a changing attitude toward family planning, as individuals weigh the benefits of parenthood against modern uncertainties.

Financial Pressures and Lifestyle Choices

Waring’s perspective highlights the psychological toll of economic instability. She describes how the current environment has made her question the value of starting a family. “I’m a huge traveller and go away whenever I can in my camper van,” she explains. “If I’d had children, I’d have had to reduce my hours at work, which I wouldn’t be able to do.” Her decision to delay or avoid having children reflects a broader trend of prioritizing personal freedom over traditional family roles.

“If I had children, I’d have had to cut back on my work hours,” she says. “That’s something I can’t afford to do right now.”

The financial burden of raising children is a recurring theme in discussions about declining birth rates. Georgina Tuffour, a 35-year-old trainee nurse and Uber driver, shares her concerns about the rising cost of living. “My daughter wants to register for everything at school, my son loves to play the drums, and that costs £50 a month,” she explains. “I’ve had to tell them I can’t afford to sign all of them up, and it breaks my heart. So imagine having another?” Her experience reflects the strain on families as expenses for education, healthcare, and daily necessities continue to rise.

Global Trends and Cultural Shifts

According to the ONS, births involving at least one parent born outside the UK increased to 40% in 2025, up from 30% a decade earlier. This statistic illustrates how migration patterns and cultural dynamics influence family structures. Dr. Paula Sheppard, an anthropologist at the University of Oxford, notes that the decline in birth rates is not isolated to the UK or Europe but part of a global phenomenon.

“Even in the Nordics, with their family-friendly social policies, they don’t see an increase in birth rates,” she says. “The trend is tied to a cultural shift where families choose to invest in fewer children rather than having lots with fewer resources.”

Sheppard argues that the decision to have fewer children is often a strategic one, driven by the desire to ensure stability. “People have always wanted the best for their kids,” she explains. “But the cost of having children is rising—food, clothes, housing, and education. The economy plays a major role in shaping these choices.” This economic pressure forces individuals to delay childbearing until they feel financially secure, altering the traditional timeline for starting families.

While some see the decline as a consequence of modern living, others point to changing societal values. “If you grow up in a society that doesn’t see many babies, it becomes harder for you to have babies yourself,” Sheppard adds. This self-perpetuating cycle suggests that cultural attitudes toward child-rearing are evolving, with fewer people feeling compelled to have large families.

Policy and Support Systems

Despite the challenges, Tuffour believes the government has taken steps to assist young families. However, she emphasizes the need for more robust policies to address the rising costs of childcare. “There’s more support now,” she says, “but I still feel the financial strain is too heavy to manage on my own.” Her comments highlight a gap between existing programs and the demands of contemporary family life.

The average age at which women in the UK have their first child has also risen, reaching 29.6 years in 2025—two years older than in 2010. This delay is often linked to career aspirations, financial planning, and the pursuit of personal goals. “Many people are waiting for the perfect moment,” Sheppard notes. “They’re looking for a better job, a better salary, a better house, and a better neighborhood. It takes longer to achieve these things in today’s climate.”

Experts like Sheppard suggest that the decline in birth rates is a reflection of broader societal changes. “The idea of having children is no longer as automatic as it once was,” she says. “People are more conscious of the trade-offs involved, and that’s leading to fewer births overall.” This mindset is particularly pronounced in urban areas, where the cost of living is higher and opportunities for work-life balance are more complex.

As the UK continues to grapple with this demographic shift, the implications for future generations are significant. A shrinking population could affect economic growth, healthcare systems, and social services. Yet, for many individuals, the decision to have fewer children is a personal one, rooted in a desire for autonomy and quality of life. “The world is different now,” Waring says. “It’s not the same as it was for my parents or grandparents. We have more choices, but also more responsibilities.”

While the statistics paint a clear picture of the decline, the human stories behind them reveal the emotional and psychological factors at play. Parents like Waring and Tuffour are not just reacting to economic pressures—they’re adapting to a new reality where family planning is a deliberate, often costly, decision. This evolving perspective may redefine the concept of parenthood in the years to come, as society continues to balance tradition with the demands of modern life.