Survey on Mother's Day: Desire for Children Meets Time of Crisis

68 percent of women always wanted to have children. But difficult compatibility and financial worries make many doubts whether the right time will ever come. This is shown by a market agent survey commissioned by the fertility center in Vienna for Mother's Day. 44 percent of 14- to 29-year-olds of both genders believe that the world is currently not a good place for children. Two-thirds of all respondents think that parenting is harder than for previous generations.

Nine out of ten women stated that balancing family and career is still difficult for mothers. Almost 80 percent of respondents report that societal expectations of mothers have continued to rise in recent years. 79 percent said that economic uncertainties prevent them from having children or more children. 75 percent were concerned about whether they could offer their children a secure future.

The challenges unsettle many, it was said on Thursday in a press release from the fertility center in Vienna. Slightly more than half stated that the responsibility that comes with parenthood worries them. About one in three women and one in three men even feel anxious at the thought of becoming parents. Among single parents, it is 45 percent. 79 percent of respondents believe that more and more women are consciously deciding against having children.

The desire for children is being postponed further and further, it was explained. Less than a third of all people of childbearing age (approximately 14 to 39 years) express the desire to have children currently. Respondents without a high school diploma have a nearly ten percentage points higher desire for children at 43 percent compared to those with a diploma. Higher educated individuals are more often concerned that parenthood will hinder their career prospects.

A quarter of men (25 percent) fear not finding a suitable partner for starting a family; among women, only 17 percent express this concern. Additionally, three percent of men worry about delaying fatherhood too long. Among women, only 25 percent share this concern.

"The desire for children remains strong despite all challenges, but many postpone the decision in times of crisis because the moment never really feels right. It is often overlooked that fertility has its own limits. The biological clock keeps ticking, even if the mind hesitates," emphasizes Andreas Obruca, medical director of the fertility center in Vienna-Mariahilf. Men should also address their fertility. "The causes of involuntary childlessness lie with the man in 55 percent of cases, with the woman in 15 percent, and in 30 percent of cases with both partners," said the fertility expert.

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