New survey reveals when Gen Z plans to have kids — and their risky birth control choice
Hot off the press: Gen Z is in no rush to start having babies.
While it may not constitute breaking news, a recent survey by First Response, and the women's media platform, Her Campus, revealed some more surprising data from the so-called 'Zoomers,' the cohort born roughly between 1997 and 2012.
The new survey took a full sweep on how Gen Z is approaching family planning, with questions on their birth control of choice, pregnancy test preferences, and what factors matter most to them before they consider adding children to the picture.
Gen Z isn't ruling out having kids altogether, but they do have some personal goals to accomplish before they start thinking about settling down — such as completing their education, becoming financially independent, and being in a supportive relationship.
Almost 75% said they're interested in starting or trying to start a family in the future, and the average Zoomer said they believed 28 was the right age to start trying for children.
That's not too far off from the national average for first-time new mothers in the U.S., which is 27.5.
Xavier Lorenzo – stock.adobe.com
Gen Z also has strong opinions on birth control. Nearly all respondents agreed that people should have the right to access any form of contraception they may choose, and 83% felt informed about sex education.
However, when asked about their top choices for birth control, a good portion of Gen Zers admitted that they were not using a condom or oral contraceptive at all.
About 37% said they favored the pull-out method, which most reputable medical institutions — and High School health teachers — will warn is far less effective than traditional birth control. About one in five people who rely on the pull-out method become pregnant, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
They're no strangers to pregnancy tests, either. About 60% have taken one before. Many respondents expressed mixed feelings towards the experience, but they are grateful to have received quick results.
Sandy – stock.adobe.com
'I was 19 and scared,' said one 26-year-old. 'It was an overwhelming mix of anxiety and uncertainty, and I remember just wanting clear answers quickly. Having a test that was easy to use and read made a really stressful moment feel a little more manageable.'
First Response offers Early Result Pregnancy Test Kits that provide fast, easy-to-read results with an accuracy rate of over 99%. These kits aim to alleviate some of the stress that comes with testing, so women can have the information they need to seek appropriate medical care.
Her Campus, which conducted the online survey, provides a wide range of resources relevant to college-aged women navigating education, relationships, and mental and physical health.
Understanding reproductive health isn't just important for people trying to get pregnant; it's key for women making important decisions at every stage of life.
This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Journalist. As a Gen Z first-time mother of one, Miska tests baby, maternity and postpartum products ranging from stylish new kids clothes to long-trusted diaper brands with her daughter. She evaluates baby- and mom-approved products for practicality and quality, and consults medical and parenting experts to weigh in on safe ingredients, usage and more. Before arriving at the Post, she covered the lifestyle and consumer verticals for the U.S. Sun.
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