Exclusive: The cost-of-living crisis is hitting Australians so hard many are having to delay their dreams of becoming a parent, and in some cases even having to make the heartbreaking decision to terminate a pregnancy.

The government says it is trying to make parenthood more affordable through childcare subsidies and better paid parental leave.

But for Australians such as Alkira Barber, 24, it's just not enough.

EXCLUSIVE: The extraordinary lengths young Aussies are going to after being forced out of home ownership

Barber fell pregnant unexpectedly in 2024.

She had a well-paid job but still couldn't afford to give a child the life she wanted for them.

"More than half my net pay goes to general living costs," she told nine.com.au.

"Australians aren't choosing careers over children, they're choosing financial survival."

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