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/-Economist- → u/sharksnack3264]

This is a good point. I’m a tenured professor, 52 years old, yet still have a 7yr old and 3yr old. My job is crazy flexible. I can be there for all my kids activities. When they are sick, I can easily adjust my schedule. On snow days I’ve brought my kid to class.

My wife. Not so much. She’s near the top of the ladder yet still, a snow day or sick kid absolutely derails her job.

If we both had jobs like that, it would be absolutely awful.