Nine months from now, the joke about stay-at-home moms giving birth to a generation of coronavirus-infected babies may actually be laughable, as the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be having the opposite effect on family planning. While it is not yet clear how the virus is affecting pregnancies and pregnant women, a new study (opens in new tab) shows that it is certainly affecting people's attitudes toward pregnancy.

The results are remarkable: one-third of respondents said that COVID-19 has completely changed their fertility treatment plans. One-third of respondents say that COVID-19 has completely changed their fertility plans. 41% have delayed having children for financial reasons related to the COVID-19 epidemic. This includes the fear that one or both parents will be laid off or temporarily laid off due to the economic hit of the virus. In addition, more than one in four respondents (27%) avoid pregnancy because they are worried about contracting COVID-19 themselves.

The survey, conducted by personal finance company SoFi in collaboration with reproductive health company Modern Fertility, was initially conducted in September and focused on infertility and money status, to ask how COVID-19 is affecting pregnancy planning. While the week is typically spent amplifying conversations around infertility and dispelling the stigma and taboos surrounding it, this year NIAW, like so many others, shifted its focus: in the wake of COVID-19, NIAW pledges more than ever to support those struggling to start a family, "We are committed to helping those who are struggling to start a family, and we are committed to helping those who are struggling to start a family.

NIAW could not have come at a more uncertain but necessary time: 61% of women who participated in the SoFi/Modern Fertility survey said they were more worried and anxious about their ability to have children because of the coronavirus. This increased stress may affect fertility goals even after the viral momentum has abated: many previous studies support the link between infertility and stress. On average, women suffering from infertility report higher levels of stress and anxiety (opens in new tab)

Financial concerns are one source of that stress. According to the study, couples' biggest delays in fertility treatment are often financial. The high cost of fertility treatment is a major setback for many. The average cost of egg freezing is $17,000 and one cycle of IVF costs approximately $23,000. With more than 22 million Americans filing for unemployment (open in new tab) in the past four weeks, financial hurdles are sure to be an even bigger problem facing many families.

Access to care also plays a role: of the respondents who said that COVID-19 has delayed their fertility and family planning decisions, 18% cited the fact that fertility clinics are suspending treatment (not considered "essential" at this time) as a cited as a major factor (or a factor that forced them to do so).

COVID-19 is also affecting the way we work, the way we live, and now when (and if) we start a family. For many couples, the virus has completely derailed years of planning and treatment. But there is hope in sight: many facilities are increasing telemedicine services (opens in new tab) and the coronavirus curve seems to be leveling out (opens in new tab). (opens in new tab) Slowly but surely progress is being made, and the goal of looking at families feels a little closer than it did a week ago, albeit delayed.

For more celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, fascinating features, and more like this, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.

Click here to register (opens in new tab)