Should We Keep Bringing Children Into a World That Feels Broken ?
Those who ponder and argue against child birth in our current world, often point out some harsh reality and that's what makes this topic increasingly relevant. Considering the ongoing chaos and wars, the threat of insecurity, the uncertainty of the economy, even the wickedness of humans and the struggles of this life, it leaves a lot of young people scared, and they keep asking themselves if reproducing in a world like this is worth it. Bringing a child into a world that's full of uncertainties, a world that's unpredictable. Many of us keep questioning if bringing a child to this world is an act of hope or an act of selfishness.
I have come to the conclusion that the decision to give birth to children is a personal decision. I don't judge those who have decided not to birth kids and those who want children. It's a personal decision that should be made with precautions, given careful thoughts, planning and a high level of responsibility. Giving birth to kids isn't compulsory.
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The choice of most people to not have children is due to compassion and that a valid reason to stay child free. In my country for instance, millions of people are struggling with insecurity, conflict, poverty, little or no access to health care, currently we should even consider climate disaster and rate of sicknesses like cancer and organ damages.
Considering the wild spread of this situation and seeing that there's little or no hope for changes, they are actually right to say they love and are compassionate about their unborn children so much and wouldn't want them to come to a world like this, shielding them from suffering and pain, and that's a valid reason. That's their personal choice and opinion.
Many critics will always attack their choices, saying that humanity has always faced hardship. The previous generation before us went through slavery, pain, economic disaster, worse medical care and many more crises, but still continued humanity and if they had quite reproduction, we wouldn't be in this world or even in existence. Over the years, there have also been remarkable changes and advancements and that means there's hope for humanity and that's not an excuse for not giving birth. But regardless of the advancement in technology, medicine, human rights and education, that doesn't change the fact that life is full of uncertainties and wickedness still exist. So being selfish and deciding not to give birth is valid to me.
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The ethical question for me shouldn't be whether people should have children or not, because that's a personal decision. The question should be whether they have what it takes to care for a child and are responsible enough to nurture children. Parenting is not compulsory or even an obligation. Parenthood is something that should be chased with thoughtfulness and preparation. Being a parent is a long time commitment to me. Being a parent is being ready to provide education, good health care, being present and attentive. The word parenting comes with a lot of packages. It involves inculcating values and raising kids that will contribute positively to our society, because family is the smallest unit of society. If every child is raised well, corruption won't arise. Obviously, we can't control the world we find ourselves in, but we can shape our children.
Personally, I believe it's unethical to have kids in this world without being responsible enough, without having a source of income to provide for them and care for them. Kids deserve love, a stable environment and safety and that's what parenthood is about. The world may be very imperfect, has numerous problems and poses its own threat, but the kind of world we create for children as parents is what's important. Responsible parenting can also make the world a better place.
In conclusion, the ethics of childbirth is not and shouldn't be only about the condition of the world we find ourselves, it is also about the intentions, preparedness, and commitment of those choosing to become parents.