Ohio GOP wants a "natural family month"

[Economy 52,844]

8 hours ago, PartySick said:

“If this really is about declining birthrates, personally, I’d think affordable childcare, paid leave, healthcare and lower grocery costs would make people want to have kids,” said Rachel Coyle, programs director for Ohioans Against Extremism. “But what do I know? Maybe all they need is a new month with a new name.”

Ate.

Hate to burst ur bubble but Canada has free healthcare, more access to affordable childcare in most Provinces than in the US (still too high in some areas but still has more affordable the US, even Ontario is opening many $10/a day spaces) and we have payed maternity and paternity leave (maternity is longer for obvious reasons)...

 

Our birth rate remains below the USA despite checking 3 of the 4 factors you mentioned (only failing in groceries) so clearly theres additional factors and that alone wont make as many ppl have kids as some might think

 

Edit: I think for ppl that want kids but are borderline in being able to afford them these things may sway a small number to decide to have them that otherwise wouldnt (maybe part of the reason scandinavian birth rates are slightly better than most developed countries)

 

But overall... women want careers now a days which children get in the way of even with maternity benefits. More couples wants a life of peace and being able to have time and money for hobbies and travel. Culturally i think DINKS are on the rise even among ppl who can afford kids

 

I think culturally values are promoting less kids for varying reasons. Economic improvements may improve numbers on the margin but I suspect not by as much as ppl think

 

Also when it does come to economic factors, I really think housing in many cities may be a bigger factor than payed leave and even child care. Paid leave or not affects u for a few months... child care hits u hard the first few years before school and then in summer months only during school years...

 

But when u live in an expensive city... having to upgrade out of that basement or 1 bedroom apartment you can make do if ur alone or with a partner but cant with a kid... thats a much higher cost that will Trump any day care costs longer term or any short term pain if ur country doesnt offer payed leave.

 

But housing funny enough gets largely ignored in the conversation

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The Handmaid's Tale is a prophecy.