Kirk Comments on Marriage, Family Spark Debate Amid Declining Birth Rates
New York, NY – Remarks made by Erika Kirk, responding to questions about New York City Mayor-elect Mamdani in The New York Times, have ignited a discussion about the factors contributing to declining birth rates and the challenges facing young women considering marriage and parenthood. Kirk suggested that young women relocating to cities like New York should not rely on government support as a replacement for traditional family structures.
“What I don’t want to have happen is women, young women in the city, look to the government as a solution to put off having a family or a marriage, as you’re relying on the government to support you rather of being united with a husband…” Kirk stated in the interview. The comments drew swift reaction, especially from Reshma Saujani, who argued that the declining birth rate isn’t due to government generosity, but rather economic realities.
Saujani countered that women are increasingly delaying or forgoing marriage and parenthood due to financial constraints. She asserts that for many women, marriage often translates to increased workload, reduced earnings, and a lack of adequate support. “women aren’t rejecting marriage or motherhood because they don’t value family - they’re doing the math,” Saujani explained.
The debate highlights a growing concern about the economic barriers to starting a family, with advocates calling for policies like paid leave and affordable childcare to address the issue. Saujani emphasizes that until these systemic challenges are resolved, discussions about personal choices distract from the core problem: the need for substantial support for families.
