Poll: One in Three Young Adults Do Not Want Children

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A recent poll conducted by the Independent Center in association with Newsweek has found that one in three young adults—specifically those from Generation Z (born 1997-2012) and millennials (born 1981-1996)—do not have and do not want to have children. This statistic highlights a significant trend as the U.S. experiences a decline in birth rates, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting an all-time low in April.

According to the survey results, 30 percent of respondents from these generations indicated they do not wish to become parents, while 62 percent said they have or want to have children. An additional 9 percent remain undecided about their plans regarding parenthood.

The survey also explored perceptions of parenthood in the context of climate change. It revealed that 23 percent of young adults believe having children is “irresponsible because of climate,” while 60 percent disagreed with that statement and 17 percent were unsure.

Further supporting these trends, data from the Pew Research Center indicates that over half of Democrats (55 percent) view the declining birth rate as having a “positive impact” on the environment. In contrast, a Pew survey from June 2024 showed that only 19 percent of Biden voters believe society is better off prioritizing marriage and children, compared to 59 percent of former President Donald Trump supporters.

Interestingly, a Gallup survey conducted last year found that the preference for larger families—specifically having three or more children—has reached its highest level since 1971.

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