The US didn't have that stuff a century ago either, and the birth rate was higher. You may wish for those things, but they aren't required. Some EU countries have those things, and their birth rates are even lower than the US birth rate.

Those things actually contribute to the problem. They drive up taxes, causing more families to feel that they need two incomes and overtime and a bit more waiting.

> The US didn't have that stuff a century ago either, and the birth rate was higher.

Ah yes, back when one (1) unexceptional salary could actually support a few humans, shelter, etc.

> They drive up taxes, causing more families to feel they need two incomes...

I’m pretty sure the stagnation of wages while costs of living kept increasing played a way bigger part of this than a few percentage points of tax changes.

1917 US infant mortality was 14.1%, 2011 was 5.9. more kids are surviving overall. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4575212?seq=1#page_scan_tab_con... https://www.statista.com/statistics/252064/us-infant-mortali...