[Request] If it was legal for the government to pay cash to adults who volunteer to get free sterilization, how much could the government pay and still come out ahead in the long term? theydidthemath

For an article about how not having kids is green:

Take, for example, a hypothetical American woman who switches to a more fuel-efficient car, drives less, recycles, installs more efficient light bulbs, and replaces her refrigerator and windows with energy-saving models. If she had two children, the researchers found, her carbon legacy would eventually rise to nearly 40 times what she had saved by those actions.

It's a fair guess that people who are lower income, and more at risk of an unwanted pregnancy would be more willing to accept such an offer. One of the best indicators of success is parental involvement, and wealthier parents usually have more free time and resources. Of course this isn't a flat rule, but I'd imagine anyone willing to take cash for self-sterilization wouldn't be the best parent.

Aside from environmental impact, what other aspects are significant costs of a new citizen? Education? Employment resources? Is there a case where no amount offered would help offset future costs?

Submitted October 22, 2014 at 09:11PM by KevlarGorilla http://ift.tt/1w9Vocx theydidthemath