2023 fertility rate in England & Wales hit record low of 1.44 children per woman, the lowest since 1938.

In 2023, the fertility rate in England and Wales fell to a record low of 1.44 children per woman, according to the Office for National Statistics. This is the lowest since records began in 1938, with live births totaling 591,072, the fewest since 1977. The decline reflects a broader global trend of decreasing fertility rates. The average age of mothers remained stable at 30.9, while fathers' average age slightly increased.