BIRTH RATE in England and Wales has fallen to its lowest in 50 years, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).1
There were 585,396 live births in England and Wales in 2026, a drop of 1.6% compared to the figure of 594,677 recorded for 2024.
This marks the lowest overall figure since 1977.
ONS have also estimated, using provisional birth rates at country level, a dive in Total Fertility Rate from 1.41 children per woman in 2024 to 1.39 for England and Wales in 2025.
Further, Provisional Standardised Mean Age (SMA) measurements indicated an increase in 31.1 years of age for mothers and 34 years of age for fathers in 2025.
Both groups saw overall increases since 1975, when SMA stood at 26.4 years for mothers and 29.5 years for fathers.
Factors Influencing Fertility
This follows findings that male infertility risk factors are on the rise.
Experts have also noted the individualised nature of fertility.
Dr Spiros Liatsikos, IVF consultant, CREATE Fertility, said: “Fertility is highly individual.
“Two women of the same age may have very different ovarian reserves and very different responses to treatment.
“Factors such as overall reproductive health, the number of eggs collected and how the body responds to stimulation can all influence outcomes.”
More Women are Considering Egg Freezing
More women in their mid-to-late 30s are considering egg freezing but misconceptions persist around how fertility changes with age and what egg freezing can realistically offer.
Dr Liatsikos added: “We’re seeing far more women consider egg freezing later in their 30s than we did five or even 10 years ago.
“For many, life simply hasn’t allowed a predictable timeline.
“Some have focused on careers or financial stability, while others may not yet have met the right partner or feel emotionally ready for parenthood.
“Increasingly, women are looking for ways to preserve more reproductive flexibility while they navigate those decisions.”
Reference
1 Office for National Statistics. Births in England and Wales: 2025. 2026. Available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/livebirths/bulletins/birthsummarytablesenglandandwales/2025. Last accessed: 28 May 2026.
Featured image: Birdland on Adobe Stock
