More and more adults are deciding not to have children, and the numbers show it. A recent study from Michigan State University found that the percentage of adults who do not want kids has nearly doubled in the past 20 years. In 2002, only 14 percent of adults said they did not want to have children. By 2023, that number had jumped to 29 percent.
The study did not give a clear reason why so many people are choosing a child-free lifestyle, but there are some likely factors. Many adults today are worried about the economy. Raising kids is expensive, and some people feel they cannot afford to give a child the life they deserve. Others are concerned about the state of the world, including climate change, political unrest, and safety.
Some adults also want to enjoy more freedom. Without the responsibilities of parenting, they can travel, focus on their careers, or simply enjoy their lives on their terms.
While having children used to be seen as the expected path, more people are realizing that it is okay to choose a different life.