I am from a big Catholic family of "stair-step kids," and we're all close as hell. For your reference, my youngest sibling is still in first grade (homeschooled, all of us were), and there are homeschooled families of 10 kids at our parish, so I would say "going the way of the dinosaur" is a severe over-statement. There aren't "too many to care for," as you put it. It can be a sacrifice, as you don't get as much "stuff" as an only child, but all in all its a better experience because you learn to put up with less and to get along with people.
"I’m not even sure where I stand when it comes to rape and incest."
Let me tell you where you should stand, buddy. Murder is murder, like you said a couple of sentences down in your post.
I’m not a BUDDY. I’m female, and was just making observations from my past. There are exceptions to every case, of course. And, don’t tell me what to say or think - buddy! What are you - the moral police? Are you sure you aren’t a democrat? They like to tell others what to think feel and do.