Do you have a problem in your life? What is that you say? You do not have any problems? None at all? I do not believe you. You must be non-existent.

From the moment you were born till the moment you die, you will constantly face various types of deprivation: how you start feeling when things like food, water, warmth, rest, security and safety are unavailable. The unfair part is that even when you are no longer deprived, you still can face the consequences of longer deprivation periods for your (mental) health. These pains are an essential part of life. However, life in and of itself is not necessary at all. Why are people still agreeing to this bad deal and procreating?

1. Instinct. People naturally have a sex drive that results in offspring.

Access to contraception and abortion make having babies a conscious decision now more than ever. Antinatalists are not amused when the only conscious part of this decision consists of the benefits for the parents themselves. It has not occurred once to a parent that “giving life”, is a two part sentence to the child: a life sentence and a death sentence. The only benefit is there for the parents; purpose and their own living toy.

Lets say the average age of becoming a parent is 25 and the average life expectancy is 80. Does a person at age 25 have enough life experience to put someone else through 80 years of it? Do the first 25 years represent the last 55 in terms of quality?

2. We need people in order to avoid economic collapse.

The economy solves problems that merely exist due to deprivations. There is no need for more people. That would only result in more deprivations.

If perfect lives exist there would not be an economy to start with. Not being needy does not result in consuming or producing.

This matter only highlights mankinds greed: “what is in it for me?”.

3. If pain is the price for happiness we will pay it.

And pay you shall. Happiness is not guaranteed or something you can loan. Also, why did you say “we”, your child cannot remember giving consent by signing a piece of paper.

More on this by David Benatar’s: the assymetry argument. See image. It comes down to not being deprived of happiness when you do not exist (which is not bad), in contrast to existing where pain is obviously bad.

4. Souls need a body

Souls don’t exist unless you can prove it and have it scientifically verified.

This is definitely the best reasoning there is. It removes all responsibility from you as a parent. It is like you were’nt even there. You are welcome to the club of people who think it’s best to never have been.