Marriage is not required. I think only religious people NEED to be married. But I think the only "issue" with unmarried parents is the chances of them not ending up together for the rest of their lives unlike a married couple who "should" be together to raise their kids. But what about divorce? When they split up, they end up being single parents anyways. So really, the chances of you becoming a single mother are the same of that of a married woman....
If you want a baby, GO FOR IT! Marriage is a piece of paper saying you two are married by the Government. Back in the "olden days" marriage was considered after they moved in together and had kids....at least this is what I was told...and in my race (native American) A man gave a father a number of horses and his daughter was blessed then married!
I guess it's all based on YOUR beliefs, not others!