artificial insemination kit for humans
Lifestyle
By Jamie Taylor
Not having children was never on my radar. I’ve always envisioned myself as a parent; however, I became a mom long before I ever experienced pregnancy, thanks to the adoption of my son. It was a calling I felt in my heart, a responsibility I was eager to embrace.
Yet, this sentiment is not shared by a growing number of Americans. According to a recent Pew Research Center study, 56% of adults aged 18-49 without children have decided they will never have kids. The reasons for this trend are varied, with medical and financial concerns frequently topping the list. The pandemic has significantly altered many aspects of life, including the previously rising birth rates.
Even prior to the pandemic, the U.S. birth rate had been steadily declining since the Great Recession in 2008. In 2019, there were just 58.3 births for every 1,000 women aged 15-44, marking a 1% decline from the previous year. Financial strain is real, and it’s easy to understand why many opt against parenthood.
Take Sarah, a 49-year-old New Yorker, who shared her thoughts with a parenting blog. She revealed, “From a young age, I knew I didn’t want kids. In college, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and started medication that made pregnancy unsafe. I never had the intense desire many of my friends did to become mothers. I also learned about the challenges of being a parent with a mental illness. With my damaged fallopian tube from cancer surgery, it felt best to let those who truly wanted children take that path. I adore children and even write kids’ books, but I see myself more as the fun aunt.”
For Alex, a 43-year-old who identifies as lesbian, the decision to remain childless was clear from the start. She explained, “I’ve never desired children. My passion lies in traveling and creating impactful change. Growing up, babysitting showed me that parenting is a full-time commitment—an identity. While I respect the role of a parent, it’s not something I want for myself.”
As a mother of three, my experience differs. When I unexpectedly became pregnant with twins, my life changed dramatically. Overnight, my wife and I transitioned from caring for one child to three, and the financial responsibilities multiplied. According to a 2015 Consumer Expenditures survey, a middle-income family spends nearly $13,000 annually per child. Over 17 years, that adds up to more than $200,000 per child. That’s a staggering figure that made me reconsider having more kids (alongside my hysterectomy).
Children can also create strain in relationships. Research shows that couples with kids experience a decline in relationship satisfaction nearly twice as fast as those without. Not everyone is suited for parenthood, and it’s commendable to recognize that.
Parenthood is a lifelong journey with no sick days, no do-overs, and no definitive guidebook. You learn as you go, often on days when you’re depleted and facing financial constraints.
Ultimately, the choice to have—or not have—children is deeply personal, and I respect every individual’s decision. Sarah and Alex are just two examples of those who know that parenthood isn’t for them. I’ve personally always desired kids, but I recognize that others have different paths, and that’s perfectly valid.
If you’re interested in exploring the topic further, check out this other blog post on our website. For those considering parenthood, Make a Mom is an authority on fertility journeys and offers invaluable resources. Additionally, WebMD provides excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Search Queries:
- home insemination kit
- self insemination
- artificial insemination options
- fertility journey support
- IUI success rates
Summary
The choice to have children is a deeply personal one and varies significantly among individuals. While many find fulfillment in parenthood, an increasing number of people are opting out for various reasons, including financial constraints and personal health issues. The journey of parenthood is fraught with challenges, and it’s essential for individuals to make informed decisions that align with their life goals.