Chris Jepson: Why be born into poverty

Should impoverished Americans be encouraged to have children? A question such as this typically sparks revulsion in human beings. I am unsure why this is, because it seems a legitimate societal consideration. Should poor people incapable of sustaining themselves multiply their (and our nation’s) impoverished condition by having more children?

First, a premise: Every baby born becomes part of Team America. This means the healthcare, housing, nutrition and educational needs of that child are national priorities and as such, America will tax itself to ensure that those four concerns are adequately addressed through national uniform standards, policies and programs.

Furthermore, any woman finding herself pregnant will have available superior pre-natal care. The mother will have access to nutritional foods and will be trained (if required) and encouraged on how to be the “good” mother.

Some will argue that it is hard-hearted and immoral to suggest that the poor not reproduce. I think it absurd and ridiculous to not expect the “financially challenged” to exercise restraint, to bring forth children only when their economic circumstances warrant (change).

The sanctimonious Right-to-Lifers get all teary-eyed over the unborn. They rant and cite Biblical text claiming that every egg, every sperm is sacred. How can folks who are so taken with the never-born not seem to give a damn about the quality of a child’s life?

That is one of the most glaring ironies of all. America’s Righteous Right huff and puff about the sanctity of life; in reality they are pro-birth, not so much pro-life. Go figure.

Unless there is an unspoken “reason” to encourage America’s impoverished to reproduce, why would we not discourage folks who cannot afford children from having them? Seriously, do we have poor people so they can wait on us, sweep our public terminals, pick up our garbage, check us out at Quik Shops, or to be on welfare? Of course not. Who benefits from being born into poverty? Society? Our state and federal budgets? The children themselves?

“The poor you always have with you.” — Jesus (John 12:8)

But that doesn’t mean they reproduce themselves willy-nilly with no regard for the consequences of their actions. Every child born comes with a cost. It is imperative for America’s children to not be born into poverty. It burdens us all through additional costs (healthcare, housing, social services, etc.). To say nothing of the crushing psychological burden of being poor in America. Why have children in an impoverished environment? Particularly if you have the power and means not to.

If you are part of affluent America, don’t ever claim superiority. What America’s poor require are the things you (we) take for granted. But nor can the poor take for granted life born into crushing, relentless poverty. There is a time and place for everything, and poverty in particular is no place for children. Children do not choose to be born into hardship.

America needs to aggressively make available free, safe and accessible birth control throughout the nation. We need national educational programs promoting wise (and timely) contraceptive use. You want to change the numbers of impoverished in America? One way is to encourage family planning nationwide. If necessary, rewards and incentives should be employed to limit fertility. Let us make every effort to make every child a wanted, loved and sustained child. To the degree we can accomplish that as a nation, it behooves us to act.

Support Planned Parenthood of Greater Orlando at 407-246-1788. Planned children make the nation stronger.