According to the UN, the fertility rate needed for a stable population is 2.1. I would want to make sure that if I’m having a child, I’m bringing them into the right circumstances. There’s also the fact that delaying having a child now could limit her potential to have siblings for any future child. “It’s something I want [having children] and I’m worried the choice will be made for me, rather than me making the choice”, she says. Why?Opens in new window ]Kelly thinks people in their 30s have grown up with an acceptance that having children may be out of reach.

Source: The Irish Times March 21, 2026 15:02 UTC