Making America pregnant again: the pro-natalist movement

This episode from The Guardian Today centers on the pro-natalist movement in the United States, which advocates for increased birth rates in response to declining demographics. The podcast begins with a description of the second annual natal conference, where attendees, including prominent speakers like Simone and Malcolm Collins, argue for the necessity of having more children to combat what they perceive as a civilizational crisis.

Simone Collins, pregnant with her fifth child, takes the stage dressed provocatively to invoke thoughts on the declining birth rates in America and the need to encourage women to bear more children. It delves into the unsavory and ideologically charged solutions proposed, including an emphasis on eugenics—ensuring a higher proportion of births from individuals considered 'desirable'.

Moira Donegan, a Guardian columnist, explains pronatalism as the belief that public policies should prioritize creating more children. She notes that while traditional families desire to increase birth rates, much of the movement's support comes from prominent figures like Elon Musk and J.D. Vance, who amplify these ideas within political frameworks. The podcast explores various factions within the movement, including traditionalists who might oppose technologies like IVF and those looking to promote genetic screening for health and potential intelligence.

Critics assert that the movement reflects deeper issues, like controlling women’s reproductive choices and reinforcing outdated gender roles. Furthermore, it poses questions of economic viability associated with parenting in today’s world and whether intrusive policies aimed at incentivizing childbirth are effective. The podcast ultimately raises concerns about the socio-political motivations behind pronatalism and its potential implications for society, particularly regarding women's freedom and societal values.