Average number of kids raised by couple plummets to 0.9 in Hong Kong

The average number of kids raised by a couple in Hong Kong has plunged to a record low of 0.9, overtaking one-child families as the majority, according to latest findings by the Family Planning Association. 

A total of 1,502 married and cohabiting women aged 15 to 49, and 1,052 of their spouses or partners, were surveyed during last September to December. 

The average parity – the mean number of children born per woman – rose slightly from 1.2 in 2012 to 1.3 in 2017, but plummeted again to 0.9 in 2022. 

Results also revealed that childless women doubled to 43.2 percent and those with one child and two kids both fell by about 10 percent to 27.4 percent and 25.2 percent respectively, when compared with five years earlier. 

Women desiring a child or another child rose back significantly from 15.3 percent in 2017 to 22 percent 2022. 

Over half of women (55.2 percent) said they desired no children or no more children, down from 67.4 percent in 2017. 

About 6 percent were undecided and 16.4 percent said they “don’t know,” compared with 14.6 percent and 2.7 percent respectively in 2017. 

The three major reasons for favoring only one child were “attained ideal parity”, “heavy responsibilities” and “dislike children.” They came in reverse order for those choosing to be childless. 

The association called on the communities to further promote a family-friendly environment. 

The association also recommended strengthening healthcare services on pre-pregnancy, subfertility, other sexual and reproductive health and fertility to support couples hoping to have children with accessible and affordable services.