Will America become a majority-childless society? A new Pew Research Center survey suggest that sadly may be the case. Such a direction would have alarming consequences for not just individuals but also for our nation.
When Pew asked Americans younger than 50 if they ever plan to have children, 47 percent—one-half of those polled—said “no.” That’s up 10 percent from just five years before. In fact, of those younger than 50, 57 percent said they never wanted to have children, even if they ended up doing so.
The reasons why? Pew writes: “Not having kids has made it easier for them to afford the things they want, have time for hobbies and interests, and save for the future.” But what kind of future are they saving for? It will quite likely be a lonely one.
The anti-child mindset, coupled with record-low fertility rates, is making the statement “demography is destiny” increasingly true. We should all fear that trend as our society ages.
Despite clear dangers to everyone’s economic and social security when the majority of adults don’t marry and have children, when vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance mentioned the government should encourage marriage and families, he quickly faced harsh, mocking objections. Yet many believe doing so should be a nonpartisan effort that transcends politics and ideologies. I wholeheartedly agree.
I have several friends in their 50s and 60s caring for aging parents in their 80s and 90s. Caregiving is not easy, but my friends do it willingly to honor their parents and the sacrifices they
