UK
The Fertility Picture In the UK
Women want to become mothers—but infertility, uncertainty, cost, and limited support can make that goal harder to achieve.
The Desire for Motherhood Remains Strong
Explore the statsLower birth rates don’t necessarily reflect lower aspirations for motherhood.
81%
are mothers or want children
71%
consider motherhood an important life goal
The Timing Doesn’t Always Go to Plan
Explore the statsDelays in starting a family can contribute to the gap between the families women want and the families they ultimately have.
38%
had their first child later than desired
2.9
children wanted on average
2.0
children actually born
0.9
fewer children
Why Are Women Waiting?
Personal readiness and finding the right partner play an important role in when UK women start their families.
42%
Need to find the right partner
36%
Personal Maturity
Infertility Adds Another Barrier
Explore the statsFor millions of UK women, infertility adds another barrier to building the family they want.
Experience in Lifetime
20%
have experienced infertility at some point in their lives, impacting 2.8 million women
Currently Experiencing
4%
are experiencing infertility right now, impacting 620k women
Infertility Takes An Emotional Toll
Infertility is more than a medical challenge—it can carry a substantial personal and emotional burden.
7 out of 10 or Higher
68%
of women who have experienced infertility rate its negative impact 7 out of 10 or higher
Treatment Can Help, But Barriers Remain
Explore the statsThe path to treatment is shaped by cost, emotional stress, and uncertainty around success.
17%
of women who experienced infertility in the past underwent IVF
Why so low?
56%
Financial cost
47%
Emotional stress
46%
Lack of confidence in success
Closing the Gap
Helping more women overcome infertility could help close the gap between the families they envision and the families they are able to build.
620K
women experience infertility