[spectra72]

Even in highly liberal/socialistic countries with low levels of religion women are opting out.

It all boils down to choice. And women are choosing "No thanks" in high numbers even in countries where you'd think most of the barriers are quite low.

[clipsy]

To be clear, I wasn't disagreeing -- just adding another (admittedly US-centric) factor in the decision-making process!

[red-iron-pine]

yeah but the question is why are they choosing "no thanks"?

being pregnant and giving birth aren't easy, but we literally evolved specifically do be able to do that -- hence the big hips and other body dimorphism, etc.

it's a function of stress, economics, and loss of social cohesion via things like "the third place" and large family groups.

all of the people I know having kids live in small towns and have tons of relatives nearby, while the doctors and office slaves living in a tech-bro city on the other side of the country from their family struggle to have a cat.