Australia's fertility rate hits record low as more couples delay parenthood | 7 News
Australia's fertility rate hits record low as more couples delay parenthood | 7 News
22nd Feb 2026
According to the latest government Population Statement, Australia’s total fertility rate (TFR) is expected to drop to 1.42 children per woman in 2025–26, well below the replacement level of 2.1.
The Centre for Population says the decline is being driven by parents postponing parenthood, having fewer children or choosing not to have children at all, with financial pressure, childcare costs and career demands all playing a role.
While Australians know fertility declines with age, fertility specialist Charley Zheng, who practises with Adora Fertility in NSW, said IVF cannot fully overcome the biological clock.