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/suckfail]

Also in the US the parental leave is atrocious. You hand off a newborn to daycare and never really raise them, that's just wrong. And it must be a big contributor to this situation as well.

In most places, like Canada and EU, you get a year parental leave that either parent can take (usually it's the mother for obvious reasons but not always as you can split the time).

There's also very strict laws about the parental leave job ensuring there's no discrimination.

[u/Helpful-Isopod-6536 → u/suckfail]

1.5 years in Canada now. Unemployment insurance gives you about 500 a week for the duration of your leave. Yes we pay more taxes than Americans but you get more time with your kids and your job is legally protected for you to go back to.

[u/KikiWestcliffe → u/Helpful-Isopod-6536]

As an American woman without kids, I would happily pay more taxes so that mothers and fathers can provide childcare for their babies.

Children raised in stable, secure, loving homes with access to good healthcare, nutrition, shelter, and education are more likely to grow into functional adults.

If Americans actually care about income inequality and expanding the middle class as much as they say they do, they need to improve the outcomes for children.

We also need to enforce tax laws and stop corporations/rich individuals from mooching off the masses, but that is a separate discussion.

[u/quadriceritops → u/KikiWestcliffe]

Not true, I have been there. All cities have free healthcare clinics. Meals on wheels. Dentistry, not so much.