I think you make some good points but I believe there are deeper issues at play. I think there would be many fewer parents of both genders who opt out (there are a myriad number of ways mothers opt out even while they are raising their kids, alcohol use being one of the top way) if much more thought and education was available before they opted IN in the first place. Perhaps high schoolers should be educated on what it takes to make a healthy relationship before making a decision about marriage. And what it takes to raise a child (well), with or without someone, before deciding to get pregnant. Etc. Your ex had (and has) no idea, and you were in fantasy. And then our society offers no support. We require people learn how to drive before they get behind the wheel of a car but expect them to navigate the complexities and work of relationship and childrearing with zero instruction.

Finally, there seems to be so much confusion about child support. People see it as going to their ex vs their child. It’s a strange yet powerful misunderstanding that our society should clear up