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Financial Struggles Delay Motherhood for Non-Graduate Women

4/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Resolution Foundation finds that women without degrees in the UK delay motherhood due to financial struggles, mirroring graduates.
The report shows England and Wales’ fertility rate fell to 1.41 in 2024.
Non-graduate women aged 25–29 saw childlessness rise from 33% in 2011 to over 54% in 2023.
The Resolution Foundation urges policymakers to address financial barriers, including housing affordability, to support young people’s family planning.

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Story summary

The Resolution Foundation finds that women without degrees in the UK delay motherhood due to financial struggles, mirroring graduates.
The report shows England and Wales’ fertility rate fell to 1.41 in 2024.
Non-graduate women aged 25–29 saw childlessness rise from 33% in 2011 to over 54% in 2023.
The Resolution Foundation urges policymakers to address financial barriers, including housing affordability, to support young people’s family planning.