‘I have to choose between a job I want and a baby - it shouldn't be this way'

12.02.2022 - 23:55 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) recently revealed half of women aged 30 were childless for the first time since records began 100 years ago.

The official statistics came as little surprise - it's well-known that women's lifestyles have been changing for the past few decades.

The stereotype that all women should be stay-at-home mums is long gone, as we've been given greater choices over our futures, with more opportunities in education and work.

But today's women face different challenges.

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The ONS’ report was met with anger on social media from women who felt it was stigmatising.

They pointed to a lack of affordable housing, the cost of living, and childcare costs as possible drivers behind the trend.

So what do women in Greater Manchester think?

Sarah*, 32, from south Manchester, told the M.E.N that economic factors have played a huge role in her not yet starting a family.

“It doesn’t feel like I’ve taken a deliberate choice," she said.

“I’ve been priced out of the area where I grew up, so getting help with childcare will be tough, while I’ve got a friend who says she pays more than her mortgage in nursery fees.

“I can’t afford that sort of money right now but need to work to make ends meet.”

She added: “I’m hoping one day soon we’ll be in a position to be able to have a baby, but it never could have happened before I was 30.”

Angered by the ONS figures, Sarah*, whose mum had her in her 40s, questioned why there wasn't an equivalent study for men on fatherhood.

"It seemed like another way to make me feel guilty for not yet having had a baby," she said.

"Where is the equivalent study for men?

“It felt like the onus for this was