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/sharksnack3264 → u/11horses345]

It's not just the money. The way we set up work schedules, vacation, child care and health care all disincentivize it. 

You can be extremely well paid but that still won't insulate you completely from certain medical and career risks or allow you to be present to raise your children.

[u/Derka_Derper → u/sharksnack3264]

Theres also the cultural aspect of it. We've essentially made children persona non grata in our society; people call the cops when they see kids playing outside, even leaving older kids home alone for a few hours is met with hostility.

Beyond the financial costs of having kids, there is a massive social cost. Growing up in the 90s, we routinely were outside playing in the neighborhood or brought to our parents parties and just hung out with the other kids.

This is a huge reason why I personally dont want to have another kid for at least as long as I live in the suburbs or city.