WHEN discussions about Jamaica having one of the lowest fertility rates in the world come up, often the focus is on women, and why they are taking steps not to have children. But men say they, too, are playing a role in the decline, deliberately avoiding fatherhood for reasons ranging from economic struggles to lifestyle preferences.

For many Jamaican men, the decision starts with simple math:- raising a child is expensive, and the cost of living keeps climbing. Housing, education, and basic food costs can make fatherhood feel financially out of reach. Some men say they would rather remain childfree than bring a child into hardship, framing the decision as a responsible act rather than a selfish one.

“None of my friends have children, and being called a gelding is not an insult anymore,” said Akeem James, a customer service supervisor. “In fact, the tides have turned so much that the geldings are now superior to the poor, hapless fellows struggling with prep school fees and weekly snack and nanny costs. Sometimes I hear women bragging that they will not be having children, but they don’t know that we men don’t want kids either.”

For Maximillian, a steel worker, one child is enough, a “buck up” he often rues, even though his girlfriend wants more.

“Every fortnight it’s a struggle with funds, especially because I want the best for my daughter,” he said. “I will not be like the other men I know who just have children and hope for the best. One is enough; in fact, even one is too many.”

The United Nations Population Fund 2025 State of World Population report ranks Jamaica among the countries with the lowest fertility rates in the world — women are now having an average of 1.3 children in their lifetime, much lower than the 2.1 children needed to keep the population stable.

“In explaining these reports, we often focus on the women and their choices, but men also are choosing personal fulfilment over paternal duty,” said counsellor Gavin Gray.

“They also want to focus on their careers, or pursue hobbies without the commitments and sacrifices that come with parenthood. In the past, societal pressure made marriage and children seem like inevitable milestones. Today, more men are comfortable defining adulthood on their own terms.”

Gray said relationship instability, high unemployment and shifting gender expectations have made the path to fatherhood less straightforward.

“Some men say they have no plans for children because they’re unsure they can provide the kind of stable family environment they believe a child deserves,” he explained.

Sociologist Yvette Chambers said this trend is not unique to Jamaica, and around the world, men in both developed and developing countries are rethinking parenthood.

“Changing ideas about identity and fulfilment are influencing choices in similar ways,” she said. “Men are not simply bystanders in the story of declining birth rates — they are active decision-makers.”

No kids for us!

Leo, 35:

I can barely keep up with rent and utilities right now. Imagine adding diapers and school fees on top of that? No, I can’t put myself or a child through that.

Jevaun, 31:

I grew up with very little and watched my mother struggle every day just to feed us. I’ve decided that poverty ends with my generation, and I won’t bring a child into the same hardship, even though I’m in a better financial position than she was.

Ricardo, 39:

Right now, I’m focused on building my business. I want to invest, and grow what I’ve started. Having a child would slow me down, and I’m not ready for that sacrifice.

Robin, 36:

I’m not even sure my current partner and I will last, or head towards marriage. How can I bring a child into that kind of uncertainty? I’d rather wait — or maybe it will be never, because I’ll probably never get married.

Dominic, 23:

When I see my friends and family members with kids, it’s instant ick, so I know I’m not ready for that responsibility. I know I’ll never want that for my life.