Mother's Day became a national holiday in 1914. In the more than 100 years since then, with the changing attitudes toward femininity, pregnancy, and even gender , motherhood has gone under assault. However, if anything, society should esteem and protect motherhood.

A cursory glance at leftists on social media, in opinion columns, and at protests shows too many regard motherhood as a waste of a woman's time. We can thank the rise of feminism , Roe v. Wade , and the sexual revolution for this idea.

Instead of valuing motherhood as a cornerstone of society, some view it as secondary to career and individual pursuits. Motherhood is just raising children, and as a result, isn't as special as climbing the corporate ladder or making money. Or so they say. There is nothing wrong with joining the workforce or trying to break into male-dominated career fields. But motherhood is truly a high calling.

Fertility rates are proof of a shifting dynamic. As of 2020, the fertility rate in the United States stands at 1.6 births per woman. This is below the replacement level. In 1960, the rate was 3.7 births per woman. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, "the rate has generally been below replacement since 1971 and has consistently been below replacement since 2007."

The TikTok generation isn't about to reverse that trend any time soon. A 2022 survey indicates 27% of Generation Z don't want to have children. Only 52% consider "having or adopting children" a life goal. Of those who don't want children, 83% said, "They cost too much money," 64% responded with "to protect my mental health," and 61% said, "They take up too much time." The news is disheartening.

Added to the declining interest in having children is the transgender movement demanding that motherhood include men as well. Increasingly, men compete against women in sports competitions, and women must sit there and take it. Men such as Dylan Mulvaney are taking on the role of female brand ambassadors, as in the recent case of Bud Light.

Motherhood is no different. Articles such as " Navigating Mother’s Day as a transgender woman " and " I’m a Trans Woman and a Mom. This Is Possible " seek to normalize what can never be innate. And a Wired article titled " Science Is Redefining Motherhood. If Only Society Would Let It " includes this subtitle, "It's time to decouple maternity from womanhood. Recent advances in fertility science are helping pave the way toward inclusivity."

Biological womanhood is an exclusive club, or at least it should be. Motherhood, too. But in an effort to cater to the feelings of mentally ill adults, the transgender movement expands the definition.

Despite these attacks on motherhood, we need mothers, and there is every reason to encourage motherhood. It is good to establish new families and create bonds. At the same time, the definition of "mother" should be kept for women who bear, raise, or adopt children. There is no place for transgender women in the club.

Motherhood is not easy. It is time-consuming and exhausting, and it completely upends a woman's life. But these and other aspects are far outweighed by the beauty of the role. It is worth it in every single way. Bearing, raising, loving, and investing in children creates strong families and strong adults.

Mothers are essential to a well-functioning society. Among other things, mothers exist as caregivers, counselors, protectors, and cheerleaders. Mothers meet not just physical but emotional needs. Mothers complement fathers; men can never be mothers.

And for all the unique gifts they have to offer, mothers are worth celebrating.

Kimberly Ross ( @SouthernKeeks ) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner's Beltway Confidential blog and a columnist at Arc Digital.