Want More Babies? Trump's $5,000 'Baby Bonus' Plan Backfires!

2025-05-13 12:00:29.728

The Trump administration's push for increased birth rates in the US, fueled by a growing pronatalist movement, has met with significant backlash. Proposed policies such as $5,000 "baby bonuses" and medals for women with six or more children are seen as inadequate and insulting by many women, who highlight the exorbitant costs of childcare, healthcare, and education in the US. The cost of raising a child is estimated to be between $285,000 and $311,000, not including college tuition. Furthermore, the cost of childbirth itself is significantly higher in the US than in most other countries. Many women express their desire to have more children but cite financial constraints as the primary barrier. Experts point out that the focus should be on addressing systemic issues such as affordable childcare, healthcare, and housing, rather than offering insufficient financial incentives. The pronatalist movement's association with white supremacy and ableism is also a concern for many. Historical examples of pronatalist policies in other countries, such as Hungary, have shown limited success in increasing birth rates. Ultimately, the article questions the effectiveness of government intervention in personal reproductive choices and highlights the broader societal factors influencing declining birth rates.