The 5 Factors
The global population has reached a record high of 8.2 billion people. Yet in the past decade, the U.S. has seen 5.8 million fewer babies born[1]. Birth rates in the U.S. have plummeted to historic lows, with a staggering 20% decline from 2007 to 2020 - and the trend is not reversing[2]. The Bible tells us children are a gift (Psalms 127:3), yet modern realities appear to be telling a different story. Here is why.
5.Marriage
We are finding love at a later age. In the 1950's, the average age of marriage was 22.5 for men and 20.1 for women. Last year, it was 30.2 for men and 28.4 for women[3].
Our culture has now prioritized individual fulfillment over relationships. Social media and dating apps have also altered how people form relationships, creating a paradox of choice that delays commitment. With the rise of remote work, it takes more effort to do things in person. Together, these factors put pressure on the traditional timelines for marriage.
4.Abortion
Some choose to terminate the embryo. There were 625,978 abortions recorded in 2021[4].
As the world embraces abortions, more Americans are likely to have one. Those who do so have to do it quickly, as the only difference between an embryo and a baby is...time. We will get more into abortions later, for now know that roughly 1 abortion happens for every 5 newborns in the U.S. Far too many.
3.Delays
The median age for parents having their first baby was 22.7 in 1980 and 26.9 in 2018[5].
Rising education & career priorities, skyrocketing housing costs, and widespread financial insecurity from inflation make many feel unprepared for children. Many have argued that it feels irresponsible to bring a child in this world without the financial resources to take care of them. With it's a parent staying home, or the high cost of childcare, it’s no wonder our generation feels discouraged from starting a family.
2.Health
Some are not able to have children. About 9% of men and about 11% of women in the U.S. have fertility problems[6].
Even those who have a baby may struggle with secondary infertility. Egg quality and quantity decline as women get older, and there are many health scares such as ectopic pregnancies. The good news is that with the help of modern medicine, we have more choices such as IVF, IUI, egg or sperm donors, and surrogates. Some also choose foster care or adoption.
1.Faith
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! (Psalms 127:3-5)
The greatest question of all is a simple one: Do you see children as a blessing? There is a great cultural shift that has happened in our society where the answer is no. They just don't want one - and the world no longer expects them too. For a personal touch, we want to share a real life story with you from a Christian named Cooper Wagner: "Kids are a blessing, not a burden. We’ve had one too many people ask us why we’re not waiting until our 30s to have kids. You either believe Psalm 127 or you don’t. We’ve had more joy, motivation and focus over the last year than we’ve ever had in our lives, and we can tell you it’s not because we have financial freedom."
Conclusion
Although we shared many factors that can weigh heavily on having children, ultimately it is a decision to trust God and His provision in our lives. The hardest factor of them all then, is faith. Our hope is that this message resonates with those wrestling with this deeply personal decision - a choice that potentially shapes not just individual families, but the fabric of future generations.
References
https://www.aei.org/articles/5-8-million-fewer-babies-americas-lost-decade-in-fertility/
https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/families/marital.html
Kortsmit K, Nguyen AT, Mandel MG, et al. Abortion Surveillance — United States, 2021. MMWR Surveill Summ 2023;72(No. SS-9):1–29. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.ss7209a1
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr68/nvsr68_13_tables-508.pdf
Chandra, A., Copen, C.E., & Stephen, E.H. (2013). Infertility and Impaired Fecundity in the United States, 1982-2010: Data From the National Survey of Family Growth. National Health Statistics Reports, 67, 1-19. Retrieved February 7, 2018, from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr067.pdf