Fertility intentions and perceived health status among polish migrants and non-migrants: a comparative study

Background: Fertility intentions provide a reliable measure of future fertility behaviour. By looking into fertility intentions, we can figure out if people are thinking about becoming parents and how many kids they might be considering. Additionally, the role of perceived health has not entered the debate about fertility. Aims: This study aims, probably for the first time, to compare the fertility intentions of migrants and non-migrants of the same nationality at origin based on their self-rated health and well-being. Methods: The study utilized data from the Families of Poles in the Netherlands (FPN) survey and the Generations and Gender Survey (GGS). This study used Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition models and generalized ordered logit models (gologit). Results: The findings reveal that both migrants and non-migrants who have good self-rated health and well-being are more likely to express a desire to have children in the short term. Additionally, the average fertility intentions score is higher for Polish migrants residing in the Netherlands compared to Polish non-migrants residing in Poland across the models. The study emphasizes the role good perceived health plays in shaping fertility intentions. Conclusion: It is encouraged that future research to consider perceived health in the demographic debate about migrant and non-migrant fertility.