For many families, childcare is not simply an extra — it’s a lifeline. Parents depend on it to work, pursue education, or simply ensure their children are safe and nurtured. But for pregnant and parenting women in need, the realities of childcare — including high costs, long waitlists, and lack of reliable support — can feel overwhelming. Many times, these challenges even push women toward abortion. 

The Rising Cost of Childcare 

Childcare in America is one of the most significant financial burdens families face. In 2024, parents reported spending: 

• 22% of their income on childcare 

• 29% of their savings on childcare 

• 89% of parents had to make at least one major life or financial change to afford it 

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates childcare costs range between $4,810 and $15,417 a year per child. In many states, that’s more than tuition at a public college — and even higher than the average monthly mortgage payment of $2,329. For single mothers or women already near the poverty line, this cost can make parenting feel impossible. 

Limited Access and Long Waitlists 

Even when women can afford it, childcare access is far from guaranteed. More than half of Americans live in a childcare desert, an area where there are three or more children for every one licensed slot available. 

In 2021, 12.3 million children needed care, but only 8.7 million licensed slots existed. For infants and toddlers, who need the most care, the shortage is even worse. Families often face long waiting lists, inconsistent quality, or childcare hours that don’t match their work schedules. 

This reality forces many mothers to reduce their work hours, turn down promotions, or leave the workforce entirely. For low-income moms, those decisions have devastating ripple effects: lower earnings, lost benefits, and long-term economic insecurity.  

For example, take Chloe, a mom who had hit her limit. 

A mother of two already, she believed she couldn’t take care of any more children. Finances were tight. There wasn’t any extra cash at the end of the week, and the food on their plates was sparse. Chloe struggled to find a babysitter for her children as she worked. 

Why Childcare Influences Abortion Decisions 

Research shows that childcare pressures directly influence abortion decisions: 

• 28% of women who had an abortion cited, “I can’t afford a baby and childcare.” 

• 40% cited financial reasons overall. 

• More than 70% of women who had abortions between 2021–2022 had incomes below 200% of the federal poverty line. 

For many moms, abortion feels less like a “choice” and more like the only option when they can’t envision how to work, feed their children, and secure safe care. 

Take Brandie, for example. As an expecting mom, she said, “Being a single mom is hard enough, but having another child would be way too hard.” She just wanted an abortion because “it would be easier and more convenient. It’s like an undo button,” she thought. 

Childcare, or the lack of it, becomes more than a logistical challenge. It becomes a deciding factor in whether a woman chooses life for her child. 

“Childcare, or the lack of it, becomes more than a logistical challenge. 
It becomes a deciding factor in whether a woman chooses life for her child.” 

The Human Impact 

Behind every statistic is a real mother — a mother who makes painful sacrifices for her family. Some skip meals so their children can eat. Others lose jobs when a work schedule change collides with rigid childcare hours. Many experience depression, hopelessness, and even suicidal ideation when every door seems to close in their face. 

Take Cindy’s story. She came to Human Coalition overwhelmed and unsure if she could choose life. With support, she completed her GED, joined a church group, received childcare vouchers, and started working. But when her employer changed her hours, she lost childcare — and then her job. Human Coalition stepped in again, walking with her and helping her get back on track. Cindy’s story highlights both the instability of access to childcare and the power of ongoing support to help moms choose life. 

The Bigger Picture: Childcare and the Economy 

Childcare is work that supports all other work. Without it, parents — especially mothers — struggle to remain in the workforce. Studies show: 

• 3 in 5 parents not working full-time would do so if affordable childcare were available. 

• A 10% drop in childcare costs can increase maternal employment by up to 11%. 

• The lack of infant-toddler care costs the U.S. economy $122 billion annually in lost productivity and tax revenue. 

In short: Childcare is not only a family issue but also a workforce and economic one. And because mothers are disproportionately affected, its impact is tied closely to whether women feel they can carry a pregnancy. 

Building a Better Safety Net for Moms 

Federal programs like Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, and WIC provide essential support, but they are difficult to navigate. That’s why Human Coalition’s Benefits Center provides assistance in enrolling moms into these programs. In doing so, better outcomes have been achieved.  

Even so, by themselves, these programs don’t alleviate the full weight of financial strain many moms carry. Respecting Parents’ Childcare Choices Act would significantly increase funding to the Child Care Development Block Grant and expand those who are eligible, including working class families, and empower them to pay a parent or relative for child care — thus reducing costs and increasing availability.  

Policy advancements can do much to help moms, but solutions must go far beyond policy. Moms need holistic support — housing help, health care, transportation, and childcare they can trust. Churches, communities, and families all have a role to play in surrounding moms with relationships and resources that make abortion unnecessary. 

A Pro-Life Response to Childcare Challenges 

To help moms choose life, we must address childcare challenges with both compassion and action: 

• Support mothers with financial aid and reliable childcare access 

• Encourage fathers to take responsibility and share the burden of care 

• Mobilize churches and communities to walk with families in practical ways 

• Advocate for reform in childcare programs so low-income mothers are prioritized 

Conclusion 

Every mom deserves the chance to provide for her children without the crushing fear of “How can I possibly afford this?” Together, we can ensure that childcare is not a barrier to life, but a bridge to hope. Instead of pushing her toward abortion, we offer a brighter future for both moms and their children.