Are big families coming to an end?

Melbourne, July 5 (ANI): A recent study has revealed that there is a rise in the popularity of single child marriages.

The study looked at women born between 1973 and 1978 - now aged 31 to 36 - and found that most wanted to have children.

"However, the popularity of the single-child family increased across surveys as the women became older, while the popularity of larger families of two or more children started to decline," the Daily Telegraph quoted the authors as saying.

"Decisions to have fewer children could reflect the ages at which women are having their first children," they added.

There had been a generational shift from families of four or more children for women born between 1921 and 1926 to many of today's 30-somethings yet to start a family and desiring only one child, the authors said.

"This poses challenges across the spectrum of policies for the national government, particularly in the area of health-care provision," said Health Minister Nicola Roxon.

"We're seeking to tackle these challenges head-on through targeted investments to provide more choice for potential mothers," he added.

The findings were established by the Women's Health Australia study, which has been running for 14 years. (ANI)