The mother also believed it was her "duty to god" to keep having babies.
In defense, this is a valid argument according to
many religions. Almost all religions taught to have as many children as possible. Exceptions are with secs like shakers and the sec of jews that left the dead sea scrolls, both of which didn\'t believe in sex per say and died out within a few generations. There were multiple reasons for having that many kids:
1. labor force for your fields
2. Most children died due to the poor health conditions before growing up, as well as the average age at time of death being between 25 and 40 depending on your generation up through the 18th century.
3. Most societies passed down ownership to the first born son, so if you keep having girls, keep trying. This used to cause huge debates when you had multiple wives - if you have 2 wives who each gave you a son, which one is entitled? Exception: ancient natives of India where family was traced on the mothers side and first born daughter.
That all being said, modern science and health services have pretty much debunked all these arguments. However, if dogma has taught us anything, it\'s that people will believe scripture based on blind faith irregardless of what evidence is presented against it. To each there own, just don\'t look to me to pay for your child services when you can\'t afford it.
