On topic though, birth rates have also been declining worldwide due to contraception and fewer women being forced into the tradwife role. Anecdotally it seems like most women plan to have kids around their careers with the hope that their career will take the smallest hit possible. I guess that is a round-about way of saying they are too poor and are waiting/hoping for a time where they are more financially stable.

I'd agree with that. And the general sentiment that "shit is fucked, why would I bring a kid into this?" Even some (non-gay) men don't want kids right now.