Study Finds Uncertainty Among U.S. Women Regarding Fertility Goals

New research from The Ohio State University highlights a significant gap between American women’s stated intentions to have children and their actual feelings about motherhood. The study, based on data from over 41,000 women between 2002 and 2018, found that up to 50% of women who claim they intend to have children are uncertain about following through. Additionally, about 25% of childless women who express a desire for kids admit they wouldn’t be bothered if they never became mothers. The study identified various dimensions of uncertainty in fertility goals, showing that younger women and those with lower education levels exhibit higher levels of uncertainty. Despite stable intentions to have children, birth rates in the U.S. have been declining for years. (Studyfinds)