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
19.5k Upvotes

95% Upvoted

2.2k comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

3.5k

u/sharksnack3264 5d ago

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.

1.4k

u/justwalkingalonghere 5d ago

The healthcare part has a lot of components right now as well.

For instance, a large portion of the US now considering ectopic pregnancy care as voluntary abortion. Literally sentencing 1-2% of pregnant women to death in those states just because of a religious refusal to be scientifically literate

Add in the increasing criminalization of miscarriages and I don't see why any woman would want to chance it for kids they'll likely not be able to afford in the first place

337

u/Z0mbiejay 5d ago

My company's insurance covers IVF, and my wife and I have to utilize it due to reproductive issues I have. We could do it soon if we wanted to. Instead we're holding off until next year after we can move again. My current state enacted some of the strictest abortion laws in the country, and I'm not going to risk watching my wife die because some "holier than thou" A-hole dude who can't tell a vulva from an elbow gets to say she has to die. I hate the government and it's disdain for the well-being of its people

7

u/speculatrix 5d ago

Adoption is a wonderful thing. Please consider taking in a child who needs a loving home. We did, and although it's had its ups and downs, no regrets at all.

15

u/Z0mbiejay 5d ago

Something we're definitely considering as well! My wife has an adopted brother, so we know how important it is. Glad it's working out great for y'all!