Decline in birth rate, the case of the '1976 Generation': almost 1 in 4 women without children

The birth rate in Italy continues to decline, with significant changes observed among women born in 1976. Currently, 23% of these women are childless, a notable increase from nearly 10% three decades ago. The average number of children per woman born in 1976 is 1.44, down from 2.01 for those born in 1947. Additionally, the average age of mothers at childbirth has risen to 31.4 years for the 1976 cohort, with a further increase to 32.7 years projected for 2025. Educational attainment influences fertility, with women of higher education having children later. In 2025, Italy recorded 355,772 births, a decrease from the previous year, and this trend is expected to continue into 2026.