Understanding how sexually active women think about fertility, sex, and motherhood

The subject of this report is the perceptions of Irish women in the general age range of 20-30 about fertility, sex, and motherhood. The report captures the meanings young women attribute to their fertility and fertility-related decisions in relation to lifeobjectives and women’s changing roles in education, careers, relationships, and motherhood. The report uses data drawn from qualitative interviews (twenty individual case studies and twelve focus groups; the total sample is 66 women with an age range of 19-34). The research reflects the views of a diverse group of women by socio-economic status, geographic location, and relationship history. The data demonstrate a need for greater support for young Irish women in the range and variety of their decision making about fertility, sex and motherhood.