Decline in Birth Rates in U.S. - Partially a Result of Pressure on Women to Work Outside the Home?

It seems to me that the social pressure on women to pursue a career outside the home, because equality or something, is causing lower U.S. birth rates. Also the social stigma of "only" working at home as a mother and housewife. What a shame. Parents (but mostly women) should be able to consider raising children a valid career choice. It is good for the kids to have a full-time parent, and it is good for the parent not to have to juggle two full time jobs and be forever living an exhausted and chaotic life. Or three full time jobs - career, raising a family and running a household.

1. Two-income vs. one-income family, but mitigated by costs of work clothing, transportation to work, child care and pre-school, nannies etc. Also higher tax rate.

2. Costs of being a parent:
   a. Social cost - disparagement of choosing to parent a child(ren) vs. having a career.
   b. Legal exposure - regulations and laws that penalize a parent for letting children takes some risks         and thus grow up.
   c. Kids raised by third parties undercut their development of family values and attachments.