Where are all the babies? Does social/structural support moderate the relationship between career aspirations and childbearing intentions/timing for young women in the UK?

Total fertility rates have been falling and are currently well below replacement level in the United Kingdom (UK). Below replacement fertility impacts the economy and has personal impacts on women who are not realising their childbearing wishes. This study investigated if social or structural support moderated the hypothesised negative relationship between career aspirations and childbearing intentions. We recruited 300 female participants between 18 and 28 years from the UK via Prolific (2014). The participants completed a survey with questions regarding childbearing intentions, desired age at first birth, ideal number of children, career aspirations, and expected levels of social and structural support. A moderation analysis was conducted excluding LGBTQIA+ participants as their inclusion was found to have a significant impact on the model. No interactions were significant; however, career aspirations and structural support were positively associated with childbearing intentions. Structural support was positively associated with number of children desired. Social support was negatively associated with ideal age at first birth. Structural support is important for childbearing intentions and social support is important for having children sooner. Further research should clarify what structural support facets will enable people to realise their childbearing intentions.