The document highlights that birth rates in various affluent nations have significantly declined and are expected to remain low. Concerns about the costs associated with raising children are causing many people to postpone parenthood or even decide against having children altogether.
“The majority of citizens in OECD countries are now choosing to delay starting a family or even forgo it entirely,” emphasized the report published by the organization on Thursday (20th). “Both young men and women are increasingly finding fulfillment in areas of life that do not involve parenthood,” it added.
The total fertility rate fell to 1.5 children per woman in 2022, a significant drop compared to 3.3 children per woman in 1960 in OECD countries, according to the report. This figure, which assesses the average number of children born per woman over her lifetime, reflects a profound change in family dynamics in the wealthiest countries in the world.

“Although OECD countries are implementing various family-supportive measures, economic costs and long-term financial uncertainty continue to significantly influence people’s decisions to become parents,” said Stefano Scarpetta, Director of the OECD’s Employment, Labour and Social Affairs Directorate, during a conference call.
The report’s analysis shows that total fertility rates are particularly low in some countries: in South Korea, the rate is just 0.7 children per woman, while in Italy and Spain, the average is 1.2 children per woman. In contrast, Israel has the highest total fertility rate, with 2.9 children per woman, followed by Mexico and France, both at 1.8 children per woman.
These data highlight the diversity of demographic realities within the OECD and underscore the complexity of the challenges these countries face in trying to balance family support with managing economic constraints.
The average age of women at childbirth has significantly increased in OECD countries, the group of leading industrialized economies, rising from 28.6 years in 2000 to 30.9 years in 2022.
A comparative analysis across generations shows a remarkable change in fertility. Among women born in 1935 and those born in 1975, the share of childless women in countries like Estonia, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, and Spain has doubled, according to OECD data.
“Childlessness is definitely increasing almost everywhere,” said Tomas Sobotka, a researcher at the Vienna Institute of Demography.
These demographic changes illustrate a growing trend toward delaying motherhood and, in many cases, deciding not to have children. The combination of financial insecurity, high costs of raising children, and shifts in personal and professional priorities is redefining family structures in the wealthiest countries. This phenomenon presents a significant challenge for public policy, which must adapt to this new reality to support families and promote birth rates in the face of increasing economic pressures.
The pressure to be good parents, which requires a significant time investment in child-rearing, also leads young people to delay or avoid starting families, according to the OECD based in Paris.
“Qualitative insights from Europe show that a major reason some women in their thirties choose to delay motherhood is that they do not believe they can meet the idealized expectations of motherhood,” the organization added.
Changing social and personal expectations regarding fatherhood and motherhood contribute to the decline in birth rates. Many people are increasingly aware of the demands and responsibilities associated with raising children and, in light of economic uncertainties and professional constraints, choose to postpone or avoid having children to ensure they can meet these ideals.
These demographic trends highlight the need for public policies that not only provide financial support but also address cultural and social concerns regarding parenthood. By understanding and responding to these dynamics, governments can create a more favorable environment in which individuals feel empowered to start families without having to sacrifice other personal and professional ambitions.
To address these challenges, it is crucial for policymakers to consider comprehensive measures that include adequate parental leave, access to high-quality and affordable childcare, and programs promoting gender equality in the workplace. Fostering a culture of work-life balance can alleviate pressure on young people, making them feel secure and comfortable about having children.
Furthermore, it is important to promote a more realistic and inclusive understanding of motherhood and fatherhood that allows people to be good parents without feeling pressured to meet idealized and often unattainable standards. Through a holistic and sensitive approach to the diverse needs of modern families, OECD countries can not only stabilize their birth rates but potentially increase them, ensuring a more balanced and prosperous future for their populations.
Implementing educational programs that prepare young people for the challenges of parenthood can also be an effective strategy. Programs offering financial literacy, psychological support, and training in parenting skills can equip future parents with the necessary tools to confidently navigate the demands of child-rearing. Additionally, promoting an open dialogue about the realities of parenthood can help demystify the process and reduce fears and unrealistic expectations. By combining institutional and community efforts, societies can create a more supportive and nurturing environment where new generations feel capable of starting families while balancing their professional and personal ambitions with the joys and responsibilities of raising children.