One in Five Adults Choose Not to Have Children, Study Finds

A new study by Michigan State University has confirmed that 20.9% of adults in Michigan do not want children, which closely matches the earlier estimate of 21.6%. The study used data from a representative sample of 1,000 adults who completed MSU’s State of the State Survey. The researchers found that being child-free is somewhat more common among adults who identify as male, white, or who have always been single. The study also found no evidence that older child-free adults experience any more life regret than older parents. The researchers said this group warrants more attention, particularly as reproductive rights are being eroded.