Bhagavad-gita 1.40 Arjuna’s argument regarding Concern for Women and Children

When irreligion is prominent in the family, O Krsna, the women of the family (kula-striyah) become polluted, and from the degradation of womanhood, O descendant of Vrsni, comes unwanted progeny (varna-sankara).

Good population in human society is the basic principle for peace, prosperity and spiritual progress in life. The varnasrama principles are so designed that the good population would prevail in society for the general spiritual progress of state and community. Such population depends on the chastity and faithfulness of its womanhood. We find such examples of satita in the example of Damyanti who was steadfast in her faith on her husband Nala even when he became poor because of a curse. Wife can also help one to be elevated to the heavenly planets, to advance in religious and spiritual knowledge, for economic development, for satisfying sense gratification and also for salvation.

On the failure of varnasrama-dharma, naturally the women become free to act and mix with men, and thus adultery is indulged in at the risk of unwanted population. Irresponsible men also provoke adultery in society, and thus unwanted children flood the human race at the risk of war and pestilence. Class of people born out of lust or adultery and undesirable parents are called varna-sankara. Hiranyakasipu, the demoniac asura was born when his mother Diti became lusty during an improper time of day for progeny.

Son or putra is expected to deliver the forefathers from the hellish condition of life through sraddha and pindam offerings. Arjuna was afraid that family will face irresponsible progeny after the deaths in the war.