Natalija Mirić
University of Belgrade, Faculty of Geography, Serbia
DOI:
UDC: 502.2:316.362.4(497.11)
Published: August 2026
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Keywords: Environmental risks; Reproductive decisions; Air pollution; Perceived health threats; Mobility strategies
Abstract:
This study explores how environmental challenges shape reproductive intentions and family‑related decision‑making in Serbia. Based on five focus groups conducted between November 2025 and January 2026 in environmentally burdened municipalities, the research examines how individuals interpret ecological risks and how these interpretations influence their perceptions of health, safety, and long‑term family planning. Participants described severe and worsening environmental conditions, particularly air pollution, which they linked to health problems in children and the need for everyday adaptive strategies. Environmental concerns affected reproductive decisions indirectly, intersecting with economic insecurity, institutional distrust, and mobility strategies aimed at protecting family well‑being. While few participants attributed their reproductive choices solely to environmental factors, many viewed pollution as part of a broader context of uncertainty. These qualitative insights complement emerging quantitative evidence on climate‑related fertility impacts in Serbia, underscoring the need for integrated policies that connect environmental protection with reproductive health and social support systems.
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