In the U.S. state elections this past week abortion was a central issue. Ohio voted to enshrine abortion in their constitution. I am deeply saddened.
In 1950 the U.S. fertility rate was 3.5 births per woman. The current fertility rate is 1.78 births per woman. In order to replace/maintain the population, a fertility rate of 2.2 is needed. We are below replacement.
In addition, the infant mortality rate has risen. According to CDC data, infant mortality increased by 3% in 2022. And yet access to abortion is a top priority.
There is something in our culture that is driving this. Respect for motherhood is declining. Young women are taught to value a career over family.
As a culture we have made it a priority to have control over fertility and birth. Margaret Sanger had a major role in the push for birth control. I wrote about her passion in a blog a few years ago.
Now women’s “reproductive health care” has gone from birth control to surgical abortion and then medical abortion. There is an emotional, physical and financial cost.
How do we bring back respect for motherhood and the joy parenting? We can’t legislate behavior. How do we change the minds and hearts of people?
I am glad to see midwifery care gradually increasing, and the growing position of the doula. Doulas provide additional support and guidance for a woman during labor and childbirth. (In the high-tech environment of the hospital, nurses have multiple tasks that limit their time with the patient.) It would be good to extend the period of post partum care for new mothers with home care. This is truly health care!
I can think of adjustments in our education system. When I was in elementary school, I had classes in cooking and sewing (Detroit Public Schools). I benefited and developed skills for the home. I would like to see home economics and shop classes make a comeback.
Tucker Carlson had an interesting interview with Viktor Orban, the Prime Minister of Hungary. Hungary is intentionally focusing on the family and providing incentives for young couples to have children. You can read about their family policies here.
From the Bible: I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, Deuteronomy 30:19
What are your thoughts? How do we change minds about abortion?
Sharing this post with Sweet Tea and Friends, Inspire Me Monday and also Senior Salon Pit Stop .
It is encouraging to hear about countries that are being intentional with life, Carol, so I will view the interview with the PM of Hungary.
Thanks for visiting, Lisa. Here is a link to Carlson’s episode on family policy in Hungary.