Currently in the United States there are approximately 425,000 kids in the foster care system. Globally, there are an estimated 140 million orphans. There are over 600,000 humans experiencing houselessness in the United States—many of whom had to run away from their abusive family or had fallen prey to a set of bad luck circumstances. A quarter of all children around the world are living in what’s considered a conflict or disaster zone. One child under the age of five dies of needless hunger less than every twenty seconds. There could be up to 200 million or more children living on the streets. The list goes on and on of existing humans, most of whom are invisible to us, who could stand to benefit from others investing in their livelihood.

Additionally, there are millions of other animals in need of rehabilitation, homes, and guardians—many of whom can affordably and efficiently be adopted from animal shelters or rescued in all sorts of other ways. Anyone who wants to start or add to a family can do so with humans and other animals who already exist. We have the capacity to care for, bond with, and love non-biologically related humans and other animals—therefore, there is no rational reason to bring humans into existence. Before making a major commitment to directly care for another life we should evaluate our own knowledge, resources, limits, dependability, and level of commitment we are willing to put forth. An alternative to helping others that does not involve bringing someone new into your home, is to donate money and/or volunteer time to helping humans and other animals in need. Additionally, you can garden, care for plants, and care for nature—all of which many find to be very fulfilling.