I don't disagree with you from a very materialist, evolutionary, and anthropological point of view. But we're humans and we can rise above this base analysis.

I don't disagree with you from a very materialist, evolutionary, and anthropological point of view. But we're humans and we can rise above this base analysis. I am coming at it from more of an ethical point of view, largely utilitarian, I guess, although I don't necessarily describe myself as a utilitarian. Nobody chooses to be brought into this world. To be wrenched from the void into consciousness. It's something inflicted on them by others - specifically their parents. It's the heaviest, most serious ethical decision most people will make in their lifetimes. I think that by having children you are implicitly saying one of two things "I believe that I will be able to provide this new human I've decided to create the resources, skills, and life such that, on the balance, their joy will outweigh their suffering." or "I care little to none for whether their joy will outweigh their suffering. I want to perpetrate my genes and culture and I need another body to help with the work and secure my comfort in my old age." I think the former, if carefully considered in an honest way, can be an ethical decision. I think the latter is wholly unethical and more or less amounts to a desire for filial slavery.