More than 50% of young Dutch adults do not want children

More than half of young adults in the Netherlands do not want children or are unsure whether they do, according to new survey data. The finding comes as the country’s birth rate continues to decline, raising concerns about rapid population aging that could further strain the economy.

A study by the RTL Nieuwspanel found that 53 percent of people aged 18 to 35 either have no desire for children or remain undecided. The findings come as the national birth rate has declined from an average of 1.8 children per woman in 2010 to 1.4 in 2024.

Respondents cited a range of reasons for opting out of parenthood, often combining personal preference with practical and societal concerns. Some said they simply do not want children, while others pointed to a desire to maintain their current lifestyle and "personal freedom."

Financial insecurity and a shortage of housing were also major factors, alongside concerns about global instability, climate change, health issues, and the absence of a stable partner.

Economist Jona van Loenen warned that the declining birth rate could have far-reaching consequences. “If the decline continues at this pace, the Dutch population will be halved within 75 years,” he told RTL.

He said the trend would worsen labor shortages, particularly in healthcare, construction, and technical sectors, while the number of retirees grows faster than the workforce. Where there were once seven workers per retiree, that ratio could drop to two, he said.

This imbalance would increase demand for care while reducing the number of workers available to provide it, creating what he called “double pressure on the economy.”

Economist Jan-Pieter Peijs, however, argued that population decline could bring benefits. “It is truly a blessing,” he told RTL, noting that the global population is still projected to grow toward 11 billion. He said fewer people would ease pressure on housing, infrastructure, and the environment. “The world population is still growing toward 11 billion people, while the Earth is already struggling to sustain current numbers.”

Van Loenen acknowledged those potential benefits but warned that the speed of the decline poses risks. “It is not so much the decline itself, but the pace at which it is happening,” he said. “Society cannot keep up with this tempo.” Both economists said immigration could help offset the effects of population decline by easing labor shortages.

Annemarie Nieuwenhuizen, 30, said she once assumed she would have children but recently chose long-term contraception. Although she is in a happy relationship, she and her partner concluded that a child would not improve their lives. “We asked ourselves whether a child would make us even happier. For us, the answer is no.” She also cited broader concerns about the future. “What will the quality of life of my child be? What kind of world are you bringing a new life into?” she said, referring to the climate crisis and other societal challenges.

Sandra Uljee, 29, also deliberately decided not to have children. She told RTL that the sacrifices associated with parenthood are too great. “You have less time, money, energy, and sleep,” she said. Uljee, who has long COVID, said her limited energy would make raising a child incompatible with work and hobbies. “I would be a good mother, but not a happy one.”