Having Kids? Sign Here!
A coworker of mine and I were having lunch at the office cafeteria while watching the latest news on TV. The news about the economy sparked an interesting conversation surrounding welfare. My coworker said that part of the problem seems to be the growing problem of individuals bearing multiple children that they are unable to support financially. One interesting point he made was the fact that since consenting adults are free to engage in sexual activity for pleasure or procreation purposes, and is, in general terms, easy to do without putting in a lot of financial investment to get the sexual activity started (well, I'm sure emotional and physical readiness are probably important factors, but for the sake of simplicity, let's assume that individuals are readily equipped with such requirements, or ready to bypass the emotional requirement at least), and in fact CAN be done anywhere and anytime, then the pitfall is not difficult to miss even without regard to social and economic consequences of the aftermath, which is the birth of the resulting child. How convenient, right?
Which takes me to my point. Supposed that the government was to impose another requirement (i.e. law) that mimics the mortgage application process. That is, any individual or consenting couple who decides to procreate, regardless of real intent (entertainment, building a family, etc.) must provide proof of financial ability to support the child. If a financial institution requires that a borrower provide paperwork to say, "I am able to pay this much as down payment and this much monthly to repay my loan," then the government should act like a mortgage lender and ask for a similar promise. Without proof of financial ability prior to procreation, then no pregnancy is allowed. I think that would be a good tool for population control, and to put welfare abuse in check.
Just a thought.
