The fertility rate in England and Wales has fallen to a record low of 1.44 children per woman in 2023, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Only 591,072 babies were born last year, the lowest number since 1977 and a drop of more than 14,000 from 2022.
The average age of mothers rose to 30.9, while fathers averaged 33.8. The ONS noted that fertility rates have been declining since 2010, with the most dramatic falls among women aged 20-24 and 25-29. Greg Ceely, head of population health monitoring at the ONS, said the decline was particularly notable in these age groups.
Research suggests millennials are delaying or forgoing children due to financial pressures, not feeling ready, or not having found the right partner. A University College London study found only one in four 32-year-olds who want children are actively trying. Dr Alina Pelikh from UCL said cost-of-living pressures, rising housing and childcare expenses are shaping fertility decisions.
Despite the falling fertility rate, the population has continued to grow, largely due to immigration. The rate needed to maintain a population is 2.1 children per woman. In Scotland, the fertility rate also fell to 1.3, with a record low of 45,935 births.
Experts suggest policies like longer paid parental leave, more childcare funding, and NHS fertility treatment support could help, but caution that financial incentives have limited evidence of raising fertility rates. The most popular birth date in 2023 was 28 September, while Boxing Day remains the least likely day for births for the 11th consecutive year.
