Anna Louie Sussman, a journalist and author of Inconceivable: The Impossibility of Family in an Age of Uncertainty, explores how the process of building families has become increasingly complex and collaborative. Her book highlights the growing number of people involved in reproduction, from doctors and fertility specialists to employers, legislators, and insurers. Sussman challenges the common belief that declining birth rates can be fully explained by factors like income, education, or marital status. Instead, she argues that the reasons people choose—or avoid—having children are deeply personal and often difficult to measure. Sussman examines the shifting political and cultural conversations around family and fertility. On the left, there has been growing attention on family issues, including initiatives like the Congressional Dads Caucus and policies from the Build Back Better Act. On the right, pronatalist ideas have gained traction, with movements like "kid-maxxing" and the use of advanced reproductive technologies to create children on a large scale. However, the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 has left many mothers and children without the legal protections they once had, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty around reproductive rights. In her book, Sussman also explores the resurgence of the term "eugenics," which has been rebranded by some as "liberal eugenics." This idea suggests that parents should have the right to choose traits in their children based on their values. Sussman notes that eugenics has long been present in U.S. culture, even if in subtler forms, such as how people select embryos or decide to terminate pregnancies based on genetic conditions. She emphasizes that these choices, while framed as personal, still reflect broader societal influences. Sussman’s work coincides with the public journey of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who shared her experience of freezing her eggs. This has sparked discussions about societal attitudes toward women’s reproductive choices, particularly among those in their late 30s who may be single or childless. Sussman notes that many women in this group freeze their eggs due to the lack of a partner. She also points to countries like Japan and France, where government subsidies for egg freezing have led to increased demand and potentially higher birth rates. Sussman acknowledges the tension between personal choice and societal responsibility in reproductive decisions. She references historian Sara Matthiesen, who argues that legal abortion allowed people to view having a child as a personal choice, shifting responsibility away from the state. However, Sussman notes that this choice has been increasingly stripped away in many parts of the U.S. since the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Sussman reflects on the financial and emotional challenges of having children, noting that some people feel it is simply unaffordable. She contrasts this with stories of individuals, like a pregnant woman in Venezuela, who believe they can manage despite uncertainty. She questions whether family formation is truly impossible in an age of uncertainty, emphasizing that the decision to have children is deeply personal and influenced by factors like faith, agency, and individual circumstances. Sussman also addresses the role of journalists in highlighting the difference between genuine financial barriers and the fear of insecurity. She warns that focusing too much on the wealthy may unintentionally discourage others from considering parenthood. At the same time, she recognizes the resilience of those who manage with fewer resources and the challenges of being a parent with limited support. Ultimately, Sussman avoids taking a definitive stance on whether having children is inherently good or bad. She acknowledges the gendered implications of parenthood and the personal nature of the decision. While she sees having children as a potential social good, she argues that it is not appropriate to encourage it for everyone. She respects the choice of those who do not want children and believes the decision should never be forced.