To the surprise of no one with internet access, surely, we’re still in a birthrate crisis. What with ecological collapse, incipient fascism, geopolitical instability, the lack of support for new parents, childcare costs and more, bringing new life into the world requires a radical act of hope. And who’s feeling that these days?
Plus, even if you do want children, pregnancy feels kind of risky at the moment. In parts of the US and beyond, pregnant people are being viewed, and treated, as functional vessels, valued only as a sort of Le Creuset for precious life delivery. Even popping a paracetamol when you’re pregnant is out now; just “tough it out” or you’ll make your kid autistic, Trump claims.
