Instead of a baby boom, U.S. experts predict a 'COVID-19 baby bust' as the number of pregnancies

[TexasTowelie]

Instead of a baby boom, U.S. experts predict a ‘COVID-19 baby bust’ as the number of pregnancies drop


HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - At the start of the pandemic, with everyone stuck indoors, it was believed there would be a “baby boom” ― people had little else to do during stay-at-home orders.

But now, about nine months later, experts say it’s looking more like a “baby bust.”

Because of safety protocols like social distancing, people going out less, and many facing financial hardship because of the pandemic, national experts say there has been a significant drop in both planned and unplanned pregnancies.

Using data from the 1918 Spanish Flu and the Great Depression, the Washington D.C. think tank The Brookings Institute is projecting around 300,000 fewer births in the U.S. this year.

Read more: https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2021/01/01/instead-baby-boom-us-experts-predict-covid-baby-bust-number-pregnancies-drop/

[brush]

1. Nobody wants to go to the hospital with covid everywhere.

That's the reason.

[nam78_two]

2. And the future looks bleak

I truly am not an alarmist. But, having a child is the most important decision of one's life. You have an obligation to this person that goes far beyond basic stuff.
With so many looming crises, it is just a tough call.
It is just not fair to the kid....one's desire to be a parent, should not override serious questions about the future they are likely to face.

I don't believe (or rather I have not checked the scientific accuracy) of the most hyper-alarmist scenarios, but the direction of the world is not reassuring in general. Ecological crises, deteriorating education systems, far too much competition for jobs, no social safety nets, healthcare and pensions under attack and above all again ecological crises.

[sinkingfeeling]

3. Having kids takes money and health insurance.