Why So Many People Feel They Can’t Have the Family They Want — And What You Can Do About It

Posted on 26 June 2025 by Marcus Williams — 4 min

Did you know nearly 20% of adults across 14 different countries believe they won't be able to have the number of children they desire? This eye-opening statistic comes from a recent article by TIME magazine (you can read it here) and paints a powerful picture of the growing concerns around fertility worldwide. But why is this happening? And more importantly, what can individuals and couples do if they find themselves feeling stuck or worried about their ability to grow their families?

I’ve been fascinated by this topic lately because it hits so close to home for many of us. The desire to have children is deeply personal, yet the hurdles seem to be multiplying — from economic pressures and delayed childbearing to medical challenges and social shifts. It's almost like the world is sending mixed signals: wanting families but facing increasing obstacles.

So, what's behind this global fertility decline?

Experts point to a mix of factors:

Lifestyle Changes: More people are prioritizing careers, education, and personal goals, often delaying kids until later in life.
Access and Awareness: Even when there’s a strong desire for children, some lack access to or knowledge about fertility resources.
Biological Realities: Fertility naturally declines with age, and many encounter unexpected difficulties.
Economic and Social Pressures: The cost of raising children and uncertain futures make family planning feel overwhelming.

The TIME article highlights that for many, the desire for children remains strong — yet the confidence in being able to achieve that is waning. It’s a vulnerable, complicated reality.

But here’s the hopeful part: you don’t have to feel powerless.

If you or someone you know is navigating fertility challenges, there are new and innovative options that bring support right into your home. Companies like MakeAMom are changing the game with at-home insemination kits tailored to different needs — whether you're working with low motility sperm, dealing with sensitivities like vaginismus, or using frozen sperm samples.

What's truly amazing about these kits is that they’re reusable and discreet, offering a budget-friendly and private alternative to clinical insemination — an option that can often feel intimidating or inaccessible. The reported average success rate of 67% is inspiring, especially for those trying to take control of their fertility journey on their own terms.

I remember talking to friends who faced frustrating waits and expensive procedures, feeling overwhelmed with appointments and clinical jargon. Having a practical, user-friendly method at home could transform that experience — making parenthood feel more attainable and less stressful.

Wondering if at-home insemination could be right for you? Here are a few things to consider:

Know your options: Different kits are designed for different situations. Understanding your unique fertility status can point you toward the right choice.
Education matters: Websites like MakeAMom don’t just sell kits — they provide valuable guidance, testimonials, and community support to empower you.
Take your time: There’s no “one path” to parenthood. Whether it’s natural conception, at-home insemination, or clinical treatments, what matters most is what feels right for you.

Feeling overwhelmed by fertility worries is more common than many realize, but knowing you’re not alone can be a huge relief. And the landscape is evolving fast — with science, technology, and communities coming together to support hopeful parents in new ways.

If you want to dive deeper into this topic, I highly recommend checking out the TIME article for the global context and visiting MakeAMom for resources that might just help make your dream family a reality.

So, what do you think? Are you surprised by how widespread these concerns are? Have you or someone you love tried at-home insemination or other alternative fertility options? Let’s start the conversation below — your story and questions might just help someone else take the next step.

Remember, despite the challenges, there’s always hope and innovation lighting the way. Here’s to turning those family dreams into joyful realities!