In the Covid-19 Economy, You [Women] Can Have a Kid or a Job. You Can’t Have Both.

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[–]firebird 3 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 0 fun4 insightful - 1 fun -  (2 children)

"having children comes with setbacks and responsibilities and is a choice parents have made when having them"

I think that's exactly the issue in a lot of cases: it's not a choice most people consciously make, when they definitely should be very conscious about it. There are still an awful lot of unplanned pregancies, and even when it's a planned pregnancy the planning often still seems limited to "I just know I want kids".

Ironically enough, this seems to be mostly a thing among childfree people (like you and me). Having kids is still seen as the "default", so most of the people who are very conscious about it, are the ones opting out.

[–]Camberian 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

I absolutely agree with you. If anything, this part of the current Covid-19 pandemic ought to result in a much, much better general sex-ed in schools, and it should be obligatory for all and everyone (including homeschoolers). Pros and cons of pregnancy and children need to be part of it, and I am also 180% for a pro-choice information about contraceptives and solutions such as the day-after-pill, abortions, or adoptions. I find it inconceivable that any western democratic nation in this day and age still holds women hostage of the child-rearing question. This needs being addressed on a broad front and from all sides.

[–]firebird 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

Exactly, the pandemic has brought us to a turning point and this could be a great time to make some good changes in society. I agree that education should take priority here, it's the first and probably biggest step in empowering people to make informed choices. Especially in this age where so many misinformation is spread through the internet, it's vital to give people access to actual decent information with research to back it up. For example, there are still pregnant women who aren't aware of some of the more common side effects/complications of pregnancy, and this could so easily be improved on.