The birth rate in the US isn't any higher than it was when I was born (and until 2008 it was higher than when I was born). During the height of the baby boom it

The birth rate in the US isn't any higher than it was when I was born (and until 2008 it was higher than when I was born). During the height of the baby boom it was only a tad over 3.5 - which is significantly less than your five children example. (http://www.prb.org/Publications/Datasheets/2012/world-population-data-sheet/fact-sheet-us-population.aspx http://www.prb.org/Publications/Datasheets/2012/world-popula...) What has changed is 24/7 news. That makes the perception of danger all out of wack with actual danger. Media.