Is it Okay that 40 Percent of Births Are Out of Wedlock?

I may be in the minority, but I was a bit saddened by the news that 40 percent of all births were births to unwed mothers. On some level, I feel that people have grown okay with the idea of having babies together without being married, and I don't know why, but something irks me about that.

I don't have a problem with a woman who is single and decides that she would like to take care a child. I equate it to her adopting a child, but understand the need to raise her own child instead. An article on CNN talks about how children born to unwed parents often face greater likelihood of poverty and high school dropout. I don't think I necessarily agree with that statement, at least in terms of this type of woman because most likely she is making the decision already knowing if she can or cannot take of a child, though some may not weigh that decision before getting pregnant.

I do agree with statement, though for children born to people where the father runs away. This is an unfortunate result of societal promiscuity. People too often act on what they want and strive to get it without thinking of what the consequences are. Part of the blame here is on media because it portrays sexual desire as something that should be gratified early and often. We've been brainwashed into thinking sex with anyone is okay regardless of the consequences.

It seems there is a group of people who are couples living together who have kids together, but are not married. This seems wrong to me because I feel it teaches the kid that no ultimate commitment is necessary in relationships. Some of these couples may think, "what's the difference? We're practically married anyway." If that is the case, what is keeping them from getting married? Is it because marriage is viewed as unnecessary? Some people say that it is the culture they are in, yet just because something has always been one way, doesn't necessarily mean that it is right. I think kids need to see a firm commitment from both parents throughout their development.

There also seems, for some strange reason, to be a group of women having babies as if they were some kind of fashion accessory. All I have to say in response is this: If you are having a baby to be cool, you're an idiot. I'm sorry, but there is no other way to put it.

Bringing another life into this world requires thought and preparation to handle the task of raising that child. It also requires commitment to the child as well as to another person (if that is the situation) because it benefits the child's development. Like I said, though, my opinions may be in the minority.

Jessica Ravitz, Out-of-wedlock births hit record high, CNN.com