According to Brookings, they are really quite similar, at least among women. That is until we start talking reproductive choice and protection. I know, I know… a touchy subject, especially when politics is ever-present in the conversation. Apparently, access to birth control is the greatest variable in this conversation.

In terms of policy, the Affordable Care Act has helped some of these complex issues. However, this type of research needs to be used when arguing the intersection of reproductive rights and economics. We all know that women still lag behind in terms of earning power and financial freedom. When coupled with child-bearing, we lose more ground. Inject socio-economic class and the women at the lower end of that spectrum finish last.

In a sense, inequality starts before birth, said co-author Richard Reeves, policy director of the Center on Children and Families. An important part of the policy story is helping parents have children when they’re ready. The life chances of those children will be better as a result.

It can be so easy to judge, but don’t do it until you run the race in another’s shoes.