Not Having Kids Is the New Normal?

In a world of shifting values and accelerating change, a new study from Uppsala University has brought to light a significant transformation in the way young Swedish women view parenthood and sexual health. Published on March 21, 2025, the research reflects a generation at a crossroads—one rethinking long-held assumptions about family, intimacy, and the future. As concerns about climate change, economic uncertainty, and societal pressures grow louder, many young women are reevaluating what it means to build a life, and the results of this study could have wide-reaching implications for Sweden’s demographic and public health landscape.

A decade ago, the idea of becoming a parent was a common aspiration among young Swedish women. In 2014, an overwhelming 91% of 24-year-old women surveyed expressed a desire to have children someday. Fast forward to 2023, and that figure has dropped to 75%. This means that one in four women are now either uncertain about or not interested in having children at all—a stark shift in just nine years. The study, which surveyed nearly 600 women at a gynecological clinic, found that this change is not merely personal but deeply rooted in broader social and environmental anxieties. Some respondents cited a lack of desire to raise children, others pointed to health issues or a wish to prioritize freedom and career. More strikingly, concerns about climate change, overpopulation, and the perceived instability of the world emerged as major deterrents.

According to Cerisa Obern, the study’s lead author and a doctoral student at Uppsala University, these findings highlight how environmental and societal conditions increasingly shape reproductive decisions. It’s no longer just about when to start a family—but whether to start one at all. In an era where the future often feels uncertain or even perilous, many young women are making deliberate choices to opt out of traditional paths.

But while attitudes about parenthood are evolving, another trend has emerged alongside them—one that’s raising red flags for public health experts. Condom use among these women has declined notably. In 2014, 71% of women reported using a condom during their first sexual experience. By 2023, that number had dropped to just 60%. This decline suggests a troubling erosion of safe sex practices and may be linked to a reduction in public health messaging that once championed STI prevention and sexual responsibility.

Sweden has long been regarded as a leader in sexual health education, but the study warns that its current generation may be slipping through the cracks. With increasing reliance on hormonal contraceptives like pills and IUDs, condoms may be seen primarily as a method of birth control, rather than a tool for STI prevention. This misperception, combined with less prominent awareness campaigns, has likely contributed to the downward trend. The implications are serious—STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea continue to pose real threats, and a decrease in condom use could undermine decades of public health progress.

There was one reassuring note: a strong cultural awareness around consent appears to be holding steady. An impressive 98% of participants reported feeling that their most recent sexual encounter was consensual. This is a powerful affirmation of Sweden’s ongoing efforts to instill respect and mutual agreement in intimate relationships. However, the remaining 2%—those who did not perceive consent—cannot be overlooked. Even a small percentage reflects a significant issue that needs to be addressed through continuous education and dialogue.

Ultimately, this study captures a pivotal moment in Sweden’s social evolution. The choices young women are making today—whether about parenthood, sexual behavior, or personal autonomy—are shaped by a complex web of influences, both personal and political. The drop in those wanting children could have long-term demographic consequences, especially in a country known for its generous parental leave and family-friendly policies. At the same time, slipping standards in sexual health habits could lead to a resurgence in infections that Sweden has long worked to control.

The researchers behind the study urge policymakers to act swiftly. Reinvesting in comprehensive sex education is critical to reversing the trend in condom use. And if Sweden hopes to encourage parenthood in future generations, it must confront the deeper anxieties holding people back—rising costs, climate fears, and questions of long-term stability. Ensuring affordable housing, offering climate-related mental health support, and continuing to empower women to make informed choices will be essential to navigating these challenges.

This study is more than a snapshot—it’s a call to recognize the new realities facing young people, especially women, in Sweden today. They are navigating a landscape that is vastly different from that of previous generations, and they’re doing so with clarity, caution, and conviction. Whether these trends continue or shift again remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: their voices are shaping the future, and the rest of society must listen closely.