Connect with us

abortion ban

Conservatives Push for Baby Boom, but Moms Face Anxiety Over Expanding Families

Published

on

Conservatives want to increase birth rates. These moms are terrified to have more kids.

Many women across the United States are reevaluating their decisions about parenthood amid growing concerns over reproductive rights. Clare Barkley, a mother from Ohio, envisioned expanding her family but now hesitates due to what she perceives as societal upheaval. Kristen Witkowski in North Carolina faced life-threatening complications during her pregnancies and, filled with dread about future risks, deeply regrets not having undergone a tubal ligation during her second Cesarean section. Brenna Craven Dumas, an Arizona resident, took definitive steps to prevent further pregnancies by scheduling both a tubal ligation and requesting her husband to undergo a vasectomy.

These personal decisions are rooted in the broader context of regional policies on abortion access. The national fertility rate in the U.S. has seen a significant decline, dropping from 62.5 in 2013 to 54.5 in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This trend is particularly pronounced in states with restrictive abortion laws, such as Idaho and Arizona, which have experienced steep declines in fertility rates since the introduction of these bans.

The implications of low fertility rates have not gone unnoticed by political figures, especially under the influence of former President Donald Trump’s administration. Vice President J.D. Vance has publicly expressed concern about declining birth rates, linking them to societal detachment from parenting ideals. He advocates for legislative measures that favor families, despite supporting policies restricting abortion access, arguing they do not impact these rates.

Sociology professor Phillip Cohen notes that U.S. birth rates have been in a slow decline for centuries. The modern decrease can be attributed to a combination of factors, including economic considerations and shifting cultural norms. Women today face more choices regarding careers and lifestyles, which often pressure them to delay or reconsider having children. Financial concerns, especially child-rearing expenses, also weigh heavily on families contemplating further pregnancies.

Many women, like Katie T. from Alabama, are rethinking their family plans in light of recent political developments and economic pressures. After having her first child, Katie decided that one child would suffice, citing the overwhelming cost of childcare as a significant factor in her decision. She also expressed disappointment about her son growing up without siblings but felt compelled to prioritize their financial and emotional stability in a climate fraught with uncertainty over reproductive health access.

Others, like Kiley DeVor in Idaho, feel the weight of potential future health challenges and uncertainty regarding reproductive healthcare. Following the Supreme Court’s decision that led to strict abortion bans in her state, DeVor has become increasingly cautious about starting a family, fearing the implications of restrictive healthcare policies on her future pregnancies.

Despite the potential negative implications of diminished birth rates on state demographics, Idaho economist Jan Roeser reports an ongoing net population increase, citing job growth as a more significant factor than political motivations. However, she acknowledges a worrying trend in declining birth rates, which could carry long-term economic consequences if not addressed.

Some women see having children as a form of defiance against these political pressures. Rachel West of Texas, who faced significant challenges to conceive her first child, remains determined to have more despite the state’s near-total abortion ban. Her resolve is emblematic of a broader refusal to let legislative restrictions dictate personal family choices.