Final answer:
Nonmarital fertility's impact on children is complex and can't be simplified to 'low risk'; societal and economic factors in modern America, such as the high cost of raising children and women's increased workforce participation, deeply affect family planning and child well-being.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question you've asked revolves around nonmarital fertility and its implications for children. Though nonmarital fertility has become more common, suggesting it presents little risk to children is an oversimplification. While all methods of birth control do have potential adverse effects, they are significantly less risky than the health risks associated with pregnancy. Contraception use to space children benefits not only the health and development of those children but also the health of the mother.
In the context of modern American society, the value system and economic demands have shifted dramatically from past generations. Children are no longer seen as contributors to household labor but rather as a heavy investment, necessitating massive resources for their upbringing. Thus, the increased fertility typically associated with multiple wives or partners may pose a significant financial burden, especially given the precarious and unstable nature of many Americans' work lives.
Moreover, in highly developed countries, increased participation of women in the workforce has led to a shift towards smaller family sizes as many women choose to delay or forego having children to pursue career goals. These societal and economic pressures undoubtedly impact the family structure and the well-being of any potential children.