The problem isn't birth control in and of itself. The issue is a combination of at last two factors.

1. Promiscuity.

Abstinence until marriage would solve most of the problem in and of itself. "Hookup culture" in particular is a major factor.

2. Reliance on non-foolproof methods, and complacency due to the pill.

The more care it takes to practice a birth control method, the higher the chance of failure due to human error. The birth control pill in particular has bred a sort of complacency in which many people think that preventing pregnancy is as easy as popping a pill, which can lead to sloppiness (forgetting to take it some days, etc). Before the pill existed, some people were extra-careful, using multiple methods simultaneously (such as both a condom and a diaphragm at once). Some people still do, but it's far less common now due to the more casual attitude toward birth control today.

Ultimately, 100% reliable, foolproof birth control exists, but it involves completely avoiding vaginal penetration every single time (ie, the "Monica Lewinsky method" and several others). However, the current culture does not promote the idea that vaginal sex is too dangerous unless one is willing to risk pregnancy, so few people are willing to commit to consistently avoiding it.

The problem isn't birth control in and of itself. The issue is a combination of at last two factors.

1. Promiscuity.

Abstinence until marriage would solve most of the problem in and of itself. "Hookup culture" in particular is a major factor.

2. Reliance on non-foolproof methods, and complacency due to the pill.

The more care it takes to practice a birth control method, the higher the chance of failure due to human error. The birth control pill in particular has bred a sort of complacency in which many people think that preventing pregnancy is as easy as popping a pill, which can lead to sloppiness. Before the pill existed, some people were extra-careful, using multiple methods simultaneously (such as both a condom and a diaphragm at once). Some people still do, but it's far less common now.

Ultimately, 100% reliable, foolproof birth control exists, but it involves completely avoiding vaginal penetration every single time (ie, the "Monica Lewinsky method" and several others). However, the current culture does not promote the idea that vaginal sex is too dangerous unless one is willing to risk pregnancy, so few people are willing to commit to consistently avoiding it.