A simple reason why Australians are having fewer children

Australia’s fertility rate continues to fall, sparking concerns about an eventual drop in population.

Dr Karin Hammarberg, a researcher and nurse with 20 years experience coordinating IVF programs, said there was a simple explanation why.

We’re waiting longer to have kids than previous generations.

“The later you start, the fewer you’ll have,” she said on 3AW Drive.

Women being more inclined to pursue a career this generation is often listed as a major factor why, but Dr Hammarberg said that wasn’t fair.

“A lot of the time women are keen and men are not ready,” she said.

“They drag the chain a little bit, that’s what research shows.

“Women often feel the biological clock is ticking and they want to get on with it, but a partner might not be available, or ready.”

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