> but the highest fertility rates are pretty consistently recorded in impoverished and conflict-torn countries. The difference is that (in addition to birth co

> but the highest fertility rates are pretty consistently recorded in impoverished and conflict-torn countries. The difference is that (in addition to birth control) in those situations having children does not really make a material difference (barring extreme food shortages). There's no career to heed, usually no mortgage or daycare to pay, there's no cars so no need to worry about getting that SUV, education is also not always a primary concern. The family just makes do with where they would have lived and pack in a few more kids. The main extra cost is feeding a few more mouths, which is usually manageable. But sometime down the line the children can help around the house or supplement family income.