The birth drought: Women tell why fertility rates will continue to plummet

“WE’RE literally throwing the baby out with the bathwater“. This was one of the jokes made by a group of young women in the Spanish Town shopping centre recently, when the topic of Jamaica having one of the lowest fertility rates in the world was raised by this writer. While some joked, others applauded. ”Except there will be no baby to throw out, because finally, women are coming to their senses,“ one woman ended.

The figures, according to the United Nations Population Fund 2025 State of World Population report, show that Jamaican women are now having an average of 1.3 children in their lifetime. That’s much lower than the 2.1 children needed to keep the population stable.

Only five countries have lower fertility rates than Jamaica: South Korea, Singapore, San Marino, China, and Malta. Jamaica shares the same rate as Japan, Italy, Spain, Cyprus, and Bosnia.

It’s a shift that reflects broader changes in attitudes toward motherhood, economics, and gender roles.

“While the decision to delay or forego having children is deeply personal, several recurring themes help explain the trend among Jamaican women,” said gender professional Carlissa Farquharson.

She said one of the primary factors is economic instability, as with high costs of living, limited access to affordable childcare, and stagnant wages, many young women feel they simply cannot afford to raise children in a way that meets their standards for quality of life.

“This financial pressure is especially heavy on single women, who make up a significant portion of the workforce, and who know, from what they’ve observed, that Jamaican men are probably not likely to help them parent,“ she said.

”So rather than resort to being just another babymother, and rather than seeing motherhood as a goal like their parents and grandparents did, young women are choosing themselves first. It’s not even a substitute for climbing the career ladder or anything like that, from what I have observed, it’s just a me-first mentality.“

Human development professional Paula Ffrench said education also plays a role, with more Jamaican women attaining higher education and prioritising their careers, they’re seeking financial independence before starting families, if at all.

“For many, motherhood is no longer seen as a societal obligation, but as one option among many in a life of personal fulfilment,” Ffrench said.

“I cant’ even get a mortgage or afford my rent, much less to parent,“ said 27-year-old Kaydence Hall, who says she doesn’t see having children in her future.

“I’d rather travel and enjoy my life,“ she said. ”My mother had to sacrifice her entire life for her kids, and I don’t want that to be my reality.“

Farquharson said additionally, concerns around gender equality and relationship dynamics influence the women’s decision. Some women cite a lack of supportive partners, fears of becoming sole caregivers, or not wanting to replicate cycles of absentee fatherhood and overburdened motherhood.

“Cultural shifts and social media have empowered women to ask hard questions about what they want from life, and many are answering honestly, without apology,” she said.

“Finally, there’s also a growing awareness of mental health, freedom, and lifestyle choices. Many women are choosing to invest in themselves, travel, build businesses, or simply enjoy their autonomy, free from the demands of parenthood.“

No babies for us!

Merissa, 30:

I can’t even keep a plant alive, let alone a child. I forget to water my plants daily, and they die within a week. A child needs constant feeding, bathing, attention, and love every single day. If I can’t handle a cactus, I am absolutely not ready to raise a human being. Also, I’ve worked too hard to create a tidy, calm space. I’m not ready for sticky fingers on the walls, toys everywhere, and the sound of screaming cartoons at full volume.

Sheba, 26:

I’m not ready to share my money with anyone. I work hard for my money and I enjoy spending it on good food, nice clothes, and peace of mind. Kids? They drain your wallet with diapers, formula, and school fees. I’m not giving up my weekend travel or fancy dinners just yet. Plus you can never, ever, ever trust a man to come through for you. And it’s not au fait for moms to be the ones to leave, and allow men to be the single parents. So knowing all I know, I won’t allow myself to be trapped.

Tigana, 24:

I love my sleep more than I love any potential baby daddy. Sleep is sacred — uninterrupted, deep, eight-hour sleep. Babies? They don’t care about that. They’ll cry at 2:00 am, 4:00 am, and 6:00 am for no reason. And I’m supposed to get up smiling? Absolutely not! My pillow and I are in a committed relationship.

Rickayla 31:

Let’s be real, life is already expensive without a child in the mix. I’m still budgeting for beauty appointments, bills, and brunch. Adding the cost of childcare, clothes, doctor visits, and birthday parties? Not in this economy. Also, as someone who was overweight, I’ve worked hard to love my body and feel confident again. Pregnancy? That’s a beautiful thing — for other people. I’m not ready for more stretch marks, swollen ankles, and giving up my favourite jeans just yet.

Kishae, 28:

I barely survived my own mother, so I’m not becoming one! Growing up was no joke. My mom was strict, loud, and always two seconds away from physically abusing me. I still have flashbacks when someone says my full name. Now people expect me to be the adult in charge? No thanks. I have nieces and nephews for that, and from them, I know that I can’t take another episode of
Paw Patrol or
Peppa Pig. My adult brain can only handle so much.