Nowadays, there has been a trend towards late entry into parenthood, which directly affects our society. This concerning trend originates from various reasons, ranging from economic uncertainty to personal aspirations. I will elaborate upon both its main causes and associated drawbacks.
It is undeniable that today, an increasing number of people opt to postpone their parenthood for several reasons. Firstly, one key reason is the economic uncertainty. Today’s economic climate, characterized by rising living prices, unstable job market, and soaring inflation, makes many people hesitate about having children, as they are more concerned about childcare expenses and their children’s future. For example, in many dual-earner families, both men and women work to make ends meet, so they often decide to delay childbearing to avoid additional financial burdens. In addition to financial concerns, personal aspirations also play a significant role. Many young couples prioritize their personal goals such as pursuing secondary or post-secondary education or even career development over having children. Consequently, they postpone their pregnancy until their late twenties or thirties, as they believe that striking a balance between their personal development and motherhood is too difficult.
Despite the logical reasons for this trend, I firmly believe that this postponement can lead to several negative outcomes for both individuals and society as a whole. Firstly, pregnancy in late thirties considerably increases the risk of miscarriage, infertility, and embryonic disease, which not only poses challenges to individuals but also could place a significant burden on public healthcare costs. For example, research consistently shows that a woman in her late thirties has fewer eggs compared to her twenties, affecting her fertility. Another major consequence is the widening generational gap, as it would be challenging for parents to keep up with their children in terms of both physical and shared understanding.
In conclusion, although this emerging trend stems from several reasons, including economic concerns and individuals goals, it should be addressed by government and individuals to alleviate its adverse effects.