By: Janna Cunningham
Generation Z (roughly born between 1997 and 2012) is one of the most socially aware generations since the baby boomers of the 1960s, with a focus on issues such as social justice, environmental activism, and equity, it's no surprise that Gen Z is also turning their attention to reproductive health.
One of the most striking aspects of this generation’s relationship with fertility is that many of them are actively thinking about their reproductive health long before they're even considering starting a family. The average age of a woman's first childbirth has increased over the past two decades, now averaging 27.5 years old. Studies show that nearly half of Gen Z women are already concerned about their fertility — even though they haven’t yet begun trying to conceive. This growing fertility anxiety is a deeply embedded concern for many women.
Fertility Anxiety in Gen Z: Why worry?
A 2023 study by HRC Fertility found that many Gen Z women are worried about their fertility future. One of the many ways this anxiety is occurring is through a desire to take proactive steps to preserve fertility. Egg freezing has become a common option for many young women in their mid to late 20s. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologyists, a woman’s peak fertility years span from the end of her teens to the end of her 20s.
What’s driving this shift? It could be a combination of personal and societal factors. Fertility experts note that women today are more educated and career-focused, leading to a delay in starting families. Also, societal and environmental concerns are influencing these decisions. Climate change, economic instability, and changing family dynamics have created a sense of uncertainty about the future, making it more difficult for Gen Z to imagine having children in the near future.
The Role of Social Media in Fertility Education
Social media has played a major role in shaping Gen Z's approach to reproductive health. According to recent studies, 37% of women turn to social media platforms for health advice, and this includes fertility concerns. Influencers, many of whom have shared their personal fertility journeys, have contributed to this trend. Their openness about fertility preservation methods has created a new wave of awareness, with many women looking to follow in their footsteps to safeguard their reproductive health.
While social media offers valuable information and fosters community, it also adds to the anxiety. The constant stream of content surrounding fertility preservation can sometimes create an overwhelming sense of urgency — a "must freeze your eggs now" mentality that can be stressful for women who feel they have to follow suit in order to avoid potential fertility challenges down the road.
Family Influence on Fertility
For Gen Z, the pressures of fertility anxiety don’t just stem from their peers and social media — family influence plays a key role as well. Many young women are influenced by their parents' fertility experiences, particularly those who may have faced challenges when trying to conceive. However, the IVF rates have gone from single digits 4o years ago to over 90% success rates today, according to the Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
Family medical histories, including conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, and cancer, are further increasing fertility concerns. These chronic health conditions can have a direct impact on fertility, leading more women to explore egg freezing as an option for safeguarding their reproductive futures. Egg freezing is also more accessible and affordable than ever before, according to Adore Fertility.
Access to Fertility Benefits: The New Workplace Perk
Another major factor driving Gen Z’s fertility anxiety is the increasing importance they place on fertility benefits when choosing employers. According to a 2024 study by Maven Clinic, 46% of Gen Z workers in the US and UK say that access to fertility and family-building benefits is a key factor in their decision to stay at a job or accept a new one. In response to this growing demand, many companies — including major corporations like Google and Apple — have begun offering fertility preservation and treatment coverage as part of their health benefits package.
This shift is especially beneficial for women who may face fertility issues due to chronic conditions or who simply want to delay childbearing until later in life. The option to freeze eggs or access fertility treatments without financial stress can be a game-changer for those looking to build a family on their own terms.
One of the social media influencers with a helpful community is Cheryl Downing with @the.ivf.warrior page on Instagram who has over 120,000 followers. She writes, “fertility benefits provide essential support for employees navigating fertility challenges. These benefits can include coverage for a range of treatments and services such as IVF, IUI, egg freezing, sperm banking, adoption, donor conception, and surrogacy. By offering these fertility benefits, companies help alleviate the financial burden associated with fertility treatments, making them more accessible to those in need.”
The Future of Fertility Anxiety: A New Normal
As fertility concerns continue to rise among Gen Z, it's clear that these issues will play an increasingly important role in shaping their futures. Whether it’s through egg freezing, increased access to fertility treatments, or taking jobs with fertility benefits, this generation is taking proactive steps to ensure that they have options when the time comes to start a family.
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