Fertility desires and attitudes toward fertility and childbearing among women of reproductive age

ABSTRACT Objectives Understanding fertility desires is one of the key components for understanding total fertility rates. The study aims to explore how attitudes towards fertility and childbearing are associated with fertility desires. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 822 childfree, heterosexual women aged between 18 and 35 who were involved in a romantic relationship and were not diagnosed with infertility. The relationship between attitudes to fertility and childbearing and both (1) the desire to have children and (2) the preferred timing of childbearing was analyzed. Results Women who had a higher score in the Fertility and the child as an important value subscale and Personal awareness and responsibility concerning having a child subscale were more likely to (1) want to have a child and (2) want to have a child sooner (within the next 5 years). Conversely, higher scores on the A child as a barrier subscale were associated with a decreased likelihood of desiring a child and an increased likelihood of planning to have a child later than in the next five years. Conclusion The findings highlight the role of fertility-related attitudes in shaping reproductive intentions among women of reproductive age.