artificial insemination syringe
It’s astonishing how often I encounter the assertion that individuals who cannot financially support children should refrain from having them. This sentiment often arises during discussions about universal childcare, extended parental leave, or the escalating costs associated with childbirth. Those who advocate this view typically embrace a philosophy of rugged individualism, believing that everyone should fend for themselves. The notion that anyone might rely on societal assistance seems to deeply offend them.
However, this argument is riddled with significant flaws.
Financial Situations Are Not Static
It’s hard to believe we still have to clarify this, but financial circumstances are not fixed throughout a person’s life. Many who argue against having children due to financial constraints fail to recognize that someone may begin in a difficult financial situation but can, through hard work and opportunity, reach a place where they can adequately provide for their children.
Additionally, life is unpredictable; someone may start off financially stable only to face a sudden, costly change that depletes their savings. What do proponents of this argument expect families to do when they hit a rough patch after already having children? Give them up? Or predict the future?
Ironically, those who say “If you can’t afford children, don’t have them” often also hold anti-choice views. They might tell you to avoid having children, but if you find yourself facing an unplanned pregnancy, they expect you to carry it to term and “just put it up for adoption,” as if that’s a simple solution.
Rising Costs of Childbirth
In my own experience, I witnessed a dramatic shift in the costs associated with childbirth. When I had my son 15 years ago, my out-of-pocket expenses were about $75. Just four years later, the cost for my daughter skyrocketed to over a thousand dollars — a staggering increase of more than 1,000%. This trend has only continued, with the U.S. boasting some of the highest childbirth costs globally, while also being the most dangerous place in the developed world to give birth.
Rising Costs of Raising Children
The financial burden does not end with childbirth. Declaring that people shouldn’t have children if they can’t afford them overlooks the fact that the expenses associated with raising a family have surged to unprecedented levels. Between 2013 and 2019, childcare costs soared by 16% to 58%, far outpacing general inflation rates. Meanwhile, wages are stagnating, with workers seeing a smaller share of their companies’ profits. How can anyone expect families to manage these rising costs?
Choosing Not to Have Kids Due to Financial Strain
Recent census data reveals a significant decline in population growth, the most dramatic since 1930. This decline is attributed partly to decreased immigration, but also to a declining birth rate. Many young people are choosing to delay parenthood, have fewer children, or forgo it altogether. Given the financial landscape, it’s no wonder. Young adults today struggle to secure affordable housing, and when they calculate the additional costs of raising a child, they often conclude it’s simply beyond their means.
I would argue that most individuals under 30 today find it hard to “afford” children. Personally, despite being established in my career and sharing expenses with a co-parent, I struggle to afford my two kids. This country has made it increasingly expensive to both give birth to and raise a child.
Instead of telling people to “just not have kids if you can’t afford it,” we should be asking the more pressing question: Why is it so prohibitively expensive to raise a child in the U.S., and what can we do to rectify this situation?
For more insights, you might find it helpful to check out resources like this article on visual perception or this trusted guide on artificial insemination kits. For comprehensive information on pregnancy, visit this excellent resource.
Summary
The argument that individuals should refrain from having children if they cannot afford them fails to recognize that financial circumstances can change and that the costs associated with childbirth and raising children have significantly increased. Many young people are opting out of parenthood due to these financial pressures. Instead of criticizing those who struggle, we should focus on addressing the systemic issues making it so difficult to raise a family in the U.S.