evidence: The cost of childbirth has steadily increased over the last two decades. In 2020 — the most recent data available — hospitals charged[2] patients an average of $27,938 for pregnancy and childbirth procedures, adjusted for inflation. That is nearly two and a half times the average charges in 2000 ($11,218), according to data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. [...] Note that these costs exclude college spending after the child turns 18. College expenses have increased in recent years: according to the USAFacts Government 10-K, the annual cost of undergraduate education rose 18% from 2011 to 2021. [...] Childcare costs have risen in recent years as well. According to Census Bureau data, family childcare costs increased 17% between 2012 and 2021.