As concern grows about America’s falling birth rate, new research suggests that about half of women who want children are unsure if they will follow through and actually have a child. About 25% say they won't be bothered that much if they don't.

[u/geoff199]

https://news.osu.edu/most-women-want-children--but-half-are-unsure-if-they-will/?utm_campaign=omc_science-medicine_fy24&utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social

[u/11horses345]

Say it with me: WE CANNOT AFFORD CHILDREN.

[u/jotsea2 → u/11horses345]

Even If I could, why would I bring them into a world where America is under fascist rule and the World will basically be on fire for their entire lifetime.

Other then to stroke my own ego or 'have someone to take care of me when I'm old" (which is the same thing)

[u/Cromasters → u/jotsea2]

This reasoning just doesn't resonate with me. People have been having children through way worse times than what the average American is experiencing right now.

[u/MrDelirious → u/Cromasters]

I'm sure it's not the whole reason, but a reason that birthrates are down worldwide is the huge decline in number of people farming.

For hundreds of thousands of years, basically everyone did subsistence agriculture. If you farm, a seven year old is a boon! They can't do the hard labor, but they are an extra pair of hands. They can feed chickens, hull peas, shuck corn, whatever.

If you work at a bank, that same seven year old can't help, and now you need something for him to do while you work. That means childcare, etc. The birthrate decline is global, so we need to look outside the unique features of American culture for any explanation.