More and More of Us Never Want to Have Children. Is That a Problem?

Imagine a world where almost one-third of adults who don’t have children never want them at all. Surprising? According to new research, we’re already there.

A groundbreaking Michigan State University study released last week reveals a striking shift: the percentage of non-parents who don’t want children has skyrocketed from 14% in 2002 to 29% in 2023. Meanwhile, the percentage of non-parents planning to have children in the future plummeted from 79% to 59% during that same period.

“New results confirm this is part of a nationwide trend that has been unfolding for over 20 years,” said Zachary Neal, MSU professor of psychology and co-author of the study.

For millions of Americans, parenthood simply doesn’t figure into life plans anymore. As this trend accelerates, questions arise about what it means for healthcare, retirement planning, public policy, and how we view family. Let’s examine why more adults opt out of parenthood, what distinguishes various non-parent groups, and what implications might unfold in our shifting demographic landscape.

“Club No-Kids” – Growing Bigger by the Day

Hard data confirms what many have suspected—that choosing not to have children has moved from a rare exception to a common choice.

Michigan State researchers found dramatic changes analyzing two decades of information from the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG). Year after year, more Americans deliberately decide against parenthood, while fewer people remain childless due to circumstance or infertility.

“Relatively few non-parents are childless, and the size of this group has been stable for many years,” explained Neal, highlighting how most people without children purposefully made that choice.

Most notably, researchers discovered that childfree adults consistently ranked as the second most common type of non-parent throughout the study period, right behind those planning to have children later. From 2002 to 2023, data shows clear patterns—fewer “not yet parents” and more childfree individuals, alongside growing numbers of people undecided or ambivalent about having kids.

“Wait, What’s the Difference?” – Childless vs Childfree (And More!)

Before diving deeper, let’s clarify key distinctions that help make sense of these stats.

“Childfree” refers to people who deliberately choose not to have children. Many embrace this term specifically because it lacks the “-less” suffix, which can imply something missing. Childfree individuals usually view their choice positively, as a path freely chosen rather than a deficit.

“Childless” describes those who want children but face barriers preventing parenthood – biological infertility, lack of suitable partner, financial constraints, or other life circumstances.

Beyond these two categories, researchers now recognize additional groups:

• “Not yet parents” want children and don’t face known barriers
• “Biologically childless” individuals want children but face infertility challenges
• “Socially childless” people wish to have children but face non-biological barriers
• “Undecided” don’t know if they want children, but could potentially have them
• “Ambivalent” don’t know if they want children, but face obstacles that make future parenthood unlikely

These distinctions matter because each group has different needs, motivations, and experiences. Understanding them helps researchers, healthcare providers, financial advisors, and policymakers better serve increasingly diverse family structures.

Demographics reveal interesting patterns, too. According to 2022-2023 data, childfree individuals span all ages, backgrounds, and education levels. Notably, over 37% identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, compared to approximately 13% of “not yet parents.” Childfree people tend to be slightly older (average age 27.6) than those planning future parenthood (average age 23.9).

“I Just Don’t Want To!” – Why People Opt Out of Parenthood

When researchers asked why people chose to skip parenthood, one answer dominated all others: 57% of respondents aged 18-49 simply said they “just didn’t want to.” For many, no elaborate justification needed – parenthood holds no appeal.

Behind this straightforward response hide numerous personal factors:

Many cite financial realities. Children cost money – lots of it. From daily expenses and childcare to education and healthcare, raising kids requires a substantial financial commitment that many prefer to direct elsewhere.

Freedom ranks high, too. Parents make countless sacrifices—sleep, spontaneity, career opportunities, and personal pursuits. Many child-free adults value maintaining autonomy over their time, bodies, and life choices.

Environmental and global concerns influence decisions, too. Some worry about bringing children into a world facing climate challenges, political instability, or overcrowding. Others question adding to population growth amid resource constraints.

Family history plays a significant role for many. Difficult childhood experiences, family health issues, or watching friends struggle with parenting can shape perspectives on having children.

Some simply recognize they don’t enjoy children’s company. While society often treats this as taboo, many childfree people honestly acknowledge a lack of interest in child-oriented activities or lifestyles.

For others, competing life priorities took precedence – career ambitions, education, travel, creative pursuits, or caring for aging relatives. By focusing elsewhere, parenthood “just never happened” for about 40% of non-parents over 50.

“So Now What?” – Life With and Without Children

Life without children offers certain advantages. Career flexibility remains a significant benefit – childfree adults can pursue demanding jobs, relocate for opportunities, or change directions without considering family impacts.

Financial freedom often accompanies childlessness. Without childcare costs (averaging $10,000+ annually per child) and long-term expenses like education, childfree individuals typically enjoy greater economic stability and options.

Personal time stays abundant. Childfree adults maintain autonomy over schedules and priorities from quiet evenings to spontaneous travel.

However, challenges exist too. Many childfree adults report frustration accessing certain healthcare services, particularly sterilization procedures. “Childfree adults have needs for long-term contraception,” noted Jennifer Watling Neal, MSU psychology professor and study co-author, “but medical providers often aren’t equipped to meet these needs.”

Retirement planning differs significantly without children. While parents might rely on family for support, childfree individuals need robust financial and care plans for their later years without assuming family assistance.

Social misunderstanding persists despite growing numbers. Many report frequent questioning about their choices, assumptions that they’ll change their minds, or exclusion from family-oriented social circles.

Declining birth rates accompany rising childfree populations, prompting questions about economic impacts, population sustainability, and changing social structures.

Family policies require rethinking. Many social programs, tax benefits, and workplace accommodations center around traditional family models. As demographics shift, policies must be adapted to serve diverse household configurations fairly.

Service gaps become apparent across sectors. Financial advisors rarely offer retirement planning specifically for those without heirs. Healthcare systems often presume eventual parenthood. Housing developments frequently cater to families with children.

Community structures evolve as fewer adults organize life around child-centered activities. From neighborhood design to social organizations, spaces increasingly accommodate varied social connections beyond parent-child bonds.

“Moving Forward” – Adapting to a Changing World

As child-free populations grow, accepting this shift as permanent rather than temporary becomes crucial. Data spanning twenty years confirms a steady trend unlikely to reverse.

Framing these changes as evolution rather than crisis helps communities adapt positively. Each family structure – traditional, childfree, or alternative – contributes differently to society’s fabric.

Making space for all choices benefits everyone. Supporting people’s reproductive decisions – whether to have children – promotes healthier communities where individuals thrive by following authentic paths.

And perhaps most importantly, recognizing autonomy over such personal decisions matters deeply. As one clever commentator noted about parenthood decisions: “Pro tip: do NOT have the kid BEFORE deciding to be childfree.” Life satisfaction correlates strongly with making family choices aligned with genuine desires rather than external expectations.

Happy Endings Come In Many Forms

A twenty-year trend showing more childfree adults by choice, stable numbers of childless individuals, and growing ranks of undecided people signals permanent social change rather than temporary fluctuation.

For previous generations, life trajectories looked relatively uniform: education, marriage, children. Today’s adults increasingly view parenthood as optional rather than inevitable – one possible path among many valid options.

Reframing our original question yields insight: Growing numbers of childfree adults present less of a “problem” than an opportunity for social adaptation. New family structures, diverse communities, and varied life paths expand possibilities for meaningful connection beyond traditional models.

Respecting autonomous choices about family formation benefits everyone. Children thrive when born to parents who genuinely want them. Childfree adults contribute to communities through mentorship, professional contributions, friendship, and civic engagement. People who are undecided about parenthood make better choices when free from pressure.

Family, ultimately, extends beyond biological bonds. Meaningful relationships, chosen families, and communities connected by shared values rather than shared DNA increasingly define modern belonging.

As our understanding of family evolves, so might our vision of fulfillment, recognizing that happy endings arrive through many paths, with or without children along the journey.