Costly Kids?

A friend of mine shared the heartbreaking news that she chose an abortion over having her second child and the justification was that they couldn't afford a second child.  

My first reaction was that I was appalled, children aren't that costly.  My next reaction was one of sadness for all of my friends that have the means to raise a child, yet are unable to get pregnant. 

We have been coming head to head with our debt this year and the realization is this, we have amassed precisely the amount of childcare expenses that we spent this year as our new debt.  Meaning, we have made up for the expenses of one child and with the new child, we have gone exactly another $20,ooo into debt.  I guess they are that expensive.  

Knowing the second child and the amount of joy that she brings, I can't imagine choosing otherwise.  Tell your creditors that though.  In our currently conservative moralistic society, pleading that you chose to have a child and go further into debt, still doesn't sit well.  You can't call your bank and ask them to lower your interest rates because you don't choose abortion.  It is a moral conundrum. 

 In a mere two years, both girls will be eligible for the public school system and yet now, we are just irresponsible credit consumers.  We live in a confusing society where we contribute to public education for years before our children are actually eligible for it and when they are, we are just taking advantage of the system. 

In the Buddhist tradition, abortion means that at some point in your life you have to commit your life to care taking another human for the rest of your life.  It is a serious karmic offense which requires a deep commitment for reparation.

In the American system, it is a way out of your credit default.