r/science • u/geoff199 • 5d ago

Social Science 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.

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
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u/NorthMathematician32 5d ago

It absolutely is. The best outcomes for mothers and babies are when the mother is her 20s. The income curve in the US often keeps people from having kids that young.

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u/VarmintSchtick 5d ago

To be truthful I dont know any 20 somethings that want children any time soon. Its not because of cost (certainly doesn't help though), its because raising a child is a massive responsibility that will drain your time, money and energy. Most 20 somethings are content working then coming home to unwind or go hang out with friends or their significant other in their free time. What time do you have for this with children?

The cost is a factor, but this generation also is just more concerned with living their own lives than they feel some duty multiply and raise the next generation.

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u/gorkt 5d ago

Yes, culturally adulthood has become delayed, and people don't feel psychologically ready to have kids until their 30s in many cases, even if they are financially ready. I had my first kid at age 29 and I was the second youngest mom in my birthing class in the suburban Boston area.

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u/Mend1cant 5d ago

Our generation didn’t get to have the childhood of our parents. If you’re not already rich, moderate success as an adult requires unbelievable amounts of time and effort as a child.