From Wanting to Trying: Life-Course Prerequisites for Attempting Conception

Shalini Singh , University of Vienna
Marie Caroline Compans, Institut national d’études démographiques (INED)
Eva Beaujouan, University of Vienna, Wittgenstein Centre

This study examines behavioral (in)action among individuals with definite short-term fertility intentions by linking stated intentions to the act of trying to conceive, a crucial yet often overlooked step between planning and childbearing. Using data from 14 low-fertility countries in the Generations and Gender Survey (Round 2), the analysis focuses on partnered men and women aged 18-49 who report definite intentions to have a (or another) child within the next three years. Survey-weighted logistic regression models and predicted probabilities assess the extent to which stated intentions correspond to attempts to conceive. Despite the three-year frame of the intention question, about two in five intenders are already trying to conceive at the time of interview. The likelihood of trying is highest among childless individuals intending one child and declines steadily with higher intended family size and parity. Older respondents, married individuals, those recently sexually active, and those with prior difficulties conceiving are more likely to be attempting conception, while education and subjective health show no significant association. Regional differences show higher likelihoods of trying in Northern Europe and lower ones in Central-Eastern Europe and Latin America compared with Western Europe. Findings suggest that action is driven less by aspirations for larger families and more by being close to achieving a smaller family goal. Definite intenders are most likely to try when entering parenthood or completing a one-child family, while those aiming for larger families tend to delay, indicating that “waiting for the perfect time” persists even among the most certain intenders.

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 Presented in Session 116. Life-Course Determinants of Fertility Intentions and Realization