Childbirth: An Expensive Issue

Have you ever considered having a child? Millions of people around the world would love the opportunity to one day bear a child of their own. Unfortunately, the idea of having a child seems nearly impossible for many due to numerous expenses that come with children. While there are endless costs to consider such as food, shelter, education, and many more, one cost that particularly sticks out is childbirth.

The US is the most expensive country in the world when it comes to childbirth. In the US, the average cost of childbirth is nearly $19,000. Even after insurance, the out-of-pocket cost reaches nearly $3,000. These numbers alone seem absurd, and they do not consider other factors that can complicate childbirth. For example, the average cost of receiving a Cesarean section is around $26,000. This data also does not account for transgender and nonbinary people who have given birth, whose expenses are most likely higher.

For one family those charges totaled $877,000.

Stella Apo Osae-Twum shared her story of childbirth with the Guardian. She and her husband were preparing to bear triplets. No one plans to have triplets, and the thought alone of expensing three children can be extremely stressful. However, when the children arrived prematurely the bills began to stagger. Although insurance was able to cover a good amount of the $877,000, the family was forced to pay $51,000 out-of-pocket.

“When the bills started coming, to be very honest, I was an emotional wreck, and this is in the midst of trying to take care of three babies who were premature.”

Stella Apo Osae-Twum

While this story does not match the national average of childbirth, it is still something that can happen to anyone.

These numbers alone are terrifying for anyone considering conceiving a child. However, this fear becomes far worse for those not planning on childbirth. Many single mothers across the country unfortunately must face the costs of childbirth on their own creating an even larger financial burden.

An even bigger issue occurs when mothers are forced to take on childbirth costs. Back in June of 2022, the Supreme Court voted to reverse Roe v. Wade, ending the right to abortion in the US. This means that it may one day be possible for those not prepared for the costs of childbirth to bear those expenses.

It is extremely unfair that the country with the highest childbirth costs in the world chooses to terminate its citizens rights to an abortion. So how can we fix the issue of costly childbirth in America? First, let’s examine countries that got it right.

The South Korean government has spent the equivalent of $200 billion (USD) on programs which help families with new-born children. One woman in Korea received $1510 (USD) after birth and incurred no expenses. Additionally, the government paid the family monthly for the expensive of the child. Other countries like Denmark, Sweden, Luxembourg, and more have similar systems in place, so why can’t we?

Unfortunately, the answer isn’t so simple. America’s capitalist society thrives off health insurances, and the health care system is inherently flawed. After research, there appears to not be any pending laws which will decrease these high childbirth costs. However, there is always time for change. Many politicians continue to push for better and more affordable health care in America so that maybe some day childbirth expenses can be much lower.