As the oldest members of the Baby Boomer generation prepare to turn 80 next year and the youngest among them become eligible for Social Security, President Donald Trump is calling for a new baby boom to counter declining birth rates. His administration even considered introducing a $5,000 “baby bonus” aimed at reducing the financial strain of raising children. However, for a growing number of young couples, financial incentives alone are not enough to change their minds about parenthood.
One such couple, Tiana and PJ Morales, have been married for seven years and spent the early part of their marriage traveling extensively. Since tying the knot, they have repeatedly faced the common question from relatives about whether they plan to start a family. But the Florida-based couple has firmly decided against having children—now or in the future.
Tiana, who is currently 37, once assumed she would become a mother. However, her perspective shifted during her early twenties when she worked as a nanny, caring for four children simultaneously. The experience was transformative and made her rethink her future. “It just dawned on me, is this what I would want to do every single day?” she recalled.
This sentiment resonates with many others across the country. According to newly released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. fertility rate has dropped significantly over the past 20 years and is now approaching historic lows. A combination of factors appears to be influencing this trend. While high living costs and environmental concerns are often cited, a substantial number of young adults simply express no desire to become parents.
Amy Blackstone, a sociology professor at the University of Maine, has conducted extensive research on individuals who identify as “child-free by choice.” She suggests that societal expectations often drive people to believe that parenthood is a natural and inevitable part of adulthood. “We are raised to believe that it is our destiny to become parents,” Blackstone explained.
For Blackstone and her husband Lance, the decision to remain a family of two was deeply personal. They rejected the conventional narrative and instead chose to prioritize their relationship. “Child-free person will say, ‘I valued my relationship with my partner so much that I didn’t want another party changing that relationship,’” she noted. In contrast, “A parent will say the imagined relationship with a child is so important to me that I want that relationship.”
Tiana Morales, like Blackstone, began to connect with others who shared her outlook. As her friends entered parenthood, she took the initiative to organize occasional gatherings for people who have chosen to be child-free. The reasons shared at these events vary widely, from lifestyle preferences to concerns about climate change and the direction in which the world is heading.
While Tiana is largely confident in her choice not to have children, she admits to occasional moments of reflection about the future. Growing up in a large family, her childhood holidays were filled with warmth, noise, and togetherness. She sometimes wonders what her future holidays will look like without a big extended family to gather around. “I grew up in a big family and the holidays were always surrounded by a large family. It’s fun. And so as I age, what will holidays look like? Will they be just as fun? I don’t know,” she said.
Despite these lingering questions, Tiana and PJ are certain about their path. The decision to remain child-free wasn’t made hastily or casually. It was a deliberate and thoughtful choice—a reflection of their values, experiences, and vision for their future.
The Moraleses represent a growing segment of the population in the United States: individuals and couples who are opting out of traditional family structures and carving their own paths. And while political leaders may offer incentives in an attempt to influence demographic trends, the choice to become a parent remains one of the most personal decisions a person can make.
In recent years, calls for policies to reverse the fertility slump have gained momentum among some conservative politicians and economists, who view declining birth rates as a threat to economic stability and national prosperity. President Trump’s baby bonus proposal is one such attempt to reverse the demographic slide. But many experts argue that such policies rarely address the underlying reasons people choose not to have children.
Economic factors are certainly a significant concern for many. The rising cost of housing, education, and childcare creates considerable financial pressure, particularly for millennials and Gen Z adults who are also grappling with student debt and job market uncertainties. For some, the idea of bringing a child into such an environment feels irresponsible or even unmanageable.
Meanwhile, the looming threat of climate change weighs heavily on the minds of others. With global temperatures rising and natural disasters becoming more frequent and severe, many people are questioning what kind of world their children would inherit. These concerns have prompted a noticeable shift in attitudes about reproduction and responsibility.
Career goals also play a pivotal role. As more women pursue higher education and professional advancement, they are increasingly choosing to prioritize their ambitions over starting families. The notion of fulfillment has evolved; where past generations may have equated happiness with parenthood, today’s younger adults often find purpose in different aspects of life—such as travel, creative endeavors, or deep relationships.
For those like Amy Blackstone, the cultural narrative around childlessness is slowly shifting. Years ago, choosing not to have children might have invited skepticism, pity, or judgment. Now, that choice is becoming more visible and accepted, thanks in part to growing communities of child-free individuals who are vocal about their decisions and experiences.
Still, the pressure to conform can be intense. Many who opt out of parenthood report being asked repeatedly to explain their choice or being told they’ll change their minds. Social gatherings, family events, and even casual conversations can become moments of scrutiny. Despite this, those who identify as child-free remain firm in their convictions.
Ultimately, the conversation surrounding parenthood is evolving. What was once seen as a near-universal life stage is now one of many valid paths. The story of Tiana and PJ Morales illustrates this new reality. They are not anti-family, nor are they indifferent to the joys of parenting. Rather, they have chosen a different route—one that aligns more closely with their values and long-term vision.
And as America grapples with declining birth rates and policymakers search for solutions, it’s clear that no single financial incentive or government program can override the deeply personal nature of the decision to have children. For many young couples today, the answer to that question is simply no—and it’s a no born out of careful thought, self-awareness, and the freedom to choose.