How did the Covid19 pandemic affect reproductive choices in Hungary?

ABSTRACT

In this research our aim was to answer the question how the COVID-19 pandemic affected reproductive choices in Hungary. To answer this question, we conducted semi-structured interviews in the autumn of 2020 with forty men and women aged 18-45 having no children or only one child. The results show that the most important direct impact of the pandemic was the burden on the healthcare system, especially mothers and fathers reported this concern. Besides the negative effect on the healthcare system, social distancing rules had mixed effects on fertility plans. If the mother was on maternity leave, while the father worked from home it had a favourable impact, but if the mother worked in a paid job, then that had a negative effect on fertility plans, while childless women did not report any effects. Regardless of the pandemic, the financial situation of families played a key role in fertility intentions. We also found evidence that additional insecurities, such as the fear of losing one’s job and how individuals see their future prospects, can influence reproductive choices. © 2022, Hungarian Sociological Association. All rights reserved.