We Live In A Red State. Here’s Why It Doesn’t Feel Safe To Have A Second Child.

The red state I call home is beautiful, with rolling hills, friendly faces, and a sense of community. But beneath this idyllic facade lies a reality that is slowly eroding my hope for the future: a lack of access to affordable healthcare, dwindling public education resources, and a growing hostility towards reproductive rights.

As a young family, we’ve always dreamt of a large family, of boisterous laughter echoing through our home. But that dream feels increasingly out of reach. My partner and I work hard, but the cost of living, fueled by stagnant wages and rising housing prices, leaves little room for even basic needs, let alone the financial burden of another child.

The fear, however, goes beyond the financial. The very fabric of the society around us feels like it’s unraveling. The erosion of reproductive rights, the constant threat of legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, and the rise of divisive political rhetoric have created an environment that feels unsafe, not just for our daughter, but for the children we hope to have.

This isn’t about partisan politics; it’s about creating a future where all families, regardless of their background or beliefs, can thrive.  It’s about ensuring access to quality healthcare, investing in education, and fostering an environment where all children can grow up safe, empowered, and loved.

Until these basic needs are met, the dream of a larger family remains elusive. It’s a painful reality for many in red states, a silent crisis that threatens to stifle the growth and prosperity of future generations.