The Bunker
'Hipster eugenics' – Why the US far-right is obsessed with babies
Mar 27, 2025
Carter Sherman, a reproductive health reporter for Guardian US, dives into the far-right's obsession with pronatalism and its political ramifications. She explores the historical roots of this ideology and how figures like Elon Musk are driving the narrative. The discussion highlights contradictions between pro-birth rhetoric and the lack of support for new families, touching on maternal mortality rates, particularly among black women. Sherman also examines unexpected alliances around IVF and the ripple effects of state-level abortion legislation on national policies.
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Quick takeaways
- The far-right's obsession with pronatalism highlights a contradiction in advocating for increased birth rates while simultaneously promoting small government ideologies.
- Historically rooted in eugenics, modern pronatalism raises ethical concerns about reproductive justice amid significant maternal health disparities in the U.S.
Deep dives
Understanding Pronatalism
Pronatalism is defined as the belief that encouraging childbirth is beneficial for society, particularly for the state. In practice, it often translates into policies aimed at incentivizing population growth for economic and social stability. Prominent figures such as J.D. Vance and Elon Musk have vocalized their support for increasing birth rates, illustrating how this ideology is intertwined with political rhetoric. However, inconsistencies arise as the same advocates often promote small government philosophies, creating a contradiction in their support for state involvement in personal reproductive choices.
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