Up to one in 20 babies born in the UK could be conceived through IVF within the next 20 years, according to a study by fertility clinic group TFP Fertility. The group says its use of historical data and growth projections shows the treatment's role in Britain's future families will grow.
The latest figures from the UK's independent fertility regulator, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), show that IVF accounted for one in 31 UK births in 2024. This compares with one in 65 just two decades earlier, and illustrative projections predict this figure will rise further.
Younger generations more fertility-aware
Ahead of National Fertility Awareness Week, new research shows changing attitudes towards fertility among younger generations, including growing awareness as well as concern about parenthood and its costs. The findings suggest younger Brits are thinking about reproductive health earlier and are open to exploring their options before trying for a baby.
The study claims four in five (80%) 18-to-24-year-olds say they would check their fertility health before trying to conceive, but this falls to almost six in 10 (57%) across all prospective parents.
Cost concerns and financial barriers
Despite wanting to be proactive about fertility health, many young people are worried about the costs involved. Almost seven in 10 (69%) say they would be concerned about fertility treatment cost if they needed it, 41% say financial security would make them delay having kids, and 29% cite housing affordability.
Despite this growing awareness, six in 10 (60%) of those who may want children in the future say they have never thought about putting money aside for fertility-related costs.
Call for fertility to become part of healthcare
Dr James Hopkisson, medical director at TFP Fertility, said: "For years, fertility was something people only thought about when they encountered difficulties. What we’re seeing now is a generation that wants to understand its fertility much earlier, before life decisions are made and before opportunities are lost. That is an incredibly positive shift because people are recognising that fertility is part of their future health and wellbeing, and they want the information needed to make informed choices about parenthood."
He added: "But these findings also reveal a growing contradiction at the heart of modern family building. Young people are becoming more fertility-aware than ever before, yet many are worried they simply won’t be able to afford the family they want. We cannot allow Britain to become a country where people understand the importance of fertility health but feel prevented from acting because of financial pressures, housing challenges or a lack of support. Fertility education, fertility health checks and access to expert advice need to become a normal part of healthcare."
Dr Hopkisson also said policymakers must recognise the impact that wider economic pressures are having on family formation, adding: "National Fertility Awareness Week should serve as a wake-up call. Fertility is not simply a personal issue - It is a public health issue, an economic issue and an issue that will shape Britain’s future for generations to come."
