Childlessness and one-child intentions among recently married couples in Iran

79 Abstract Objective (s): Awareness of people's childbearing intentions, which play a key role in predicting future fertility behaviors, is one of the most crucial topics in low-fertility societies. This study aimed to investigate the fertility intentions of recently married couples in Iran. Methods: The data of the National Marriage Survey in Iran (2016-2017) were analyzed using secondary analyses technique. The sample consisted of 8,977 people in provincial capitals. Results: The results revealed that 2.1% of people intend to remain childless and 16.9% want to have one-child. The most important reasons for childlessness intention were the financial costs of the children and the lack of interest in having a child. Ethnicity was one of the main determinants. The Baluchs and the Arabs tend to have more children than the other ethnic groups, and the Gilakis were most inclined to be childless or have one-child. Furthermore, education, participation in religious rites, employment status and religion have a significant effect on fertility intentions. Conclusion: Although the childlessness intention was low, one-fifth of people tend to have less than two children. This could affect future fertility rates negatively given the expansion of higher education and the economic challenges. Thus, policymakers should prioritize reconciliation policies and child care