These women said no to having kids - here's why

A growing number of women in the UK are opting for a childfree life, a decision that deviates from traditional expectations. Research from the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) indicates that approximately three million women between the ages of 16 and 45 may choose not to have children. If birth rates remained consistent with those of their grandparents' generation, an additional 600,000 children would be born annually.

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It turned into 'Am I not ready for this, or do I not want this?'

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals a declining birth rate in England and Wales for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, reaching its lowest point in nearly fifty years. This trend is attributed by the CSJ's report to a "range of social and economic pressures."

These pressures include escalating housing costs, delayed financial independence, later marriages, and growing career uncertainty. For Jess King, a 32-year-old content creator living in west London, financial instability is a significant concern. As a self-employed individual with fluctuating income, she finds the prospect of raising children daunting, especially given the current economic climate where "some months, we are really scraping the pennies."

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I didn't have that and that made me start questioning it.

Beyond financial constraints, women cited broader considerations such as anxieties about climate change, a strong commitment to their careers, a desire to travel, and a general sense of increased personal freedom in contemporary society. Both Jess and Chy Black, a 33-year-old account manager, have found solace and validation in online communities dedicated to the childfree lifestyle.

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There are so many people struggling to get by. Some months, we are really scraping the pennies and it can be difficult.

Platforms like TikTok host numerous videos under hashtags such as #childfree and #childfreebychoice, where thousands of women share their reasons for not wanting to become mothers. While social media did not dictate Jess's decision, it "validated it" and made her feel more comfortable expressing her views. Chy also found a supportive network online, though she notes that while her immediate family and close friends are supportive, wider family members have struggled to understand her choice.

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validated it