The Global Story: Pronatalism - Make America procreate again?
Mar 30, 2025
auto_awesome
Simone Collins, a dedicated pronatalist, and Nomiya Iqbal, BBC Washington correspondent, dive into the world of increasing birth rates. They discuss the Collins family's ambitious goal of having 10 children to combat demographic decline. Simone shares her insights on the societal implications of falling fertility rates, while Nomiya provides context on the cultural and political landscape surrounding pronatalism. The conversation also touches on ethical concerns regarding reproductive technologies and how these movements shape family dynamics in America.
The Collins family advocates for a pronatalist philosophy, aiming to combat demographic decline in the U.S. by having more children.
Their use of advanced reproductive technologies raises ethical concerns about genetic selection and its implications for societal values and family planning.
Deep dives
The Collins Family's Pronatalist Perspective
The Collins family, consisting of six members with a strong focus on expanding their family, adheres to a pronatalist philosophy that prioritizes large families as a solution to what they perceive as a demographic collapse in the United States. They articulate their desire to have as many children as possible, viewing this as a way to counteract declining fertility rates that pose risks to social services and economic stability. The family sees itself as part of a larger movement that aligns with some of the Trump administration's pro-birth initiatives, advocating for more births as a pragmatic solution to societal challenges. Their belief is that increased birth rates will sustain essential services funded by a tax-paying population, particularly concerning vulnerable communities reliant on government support.
Understanding Pronatalism and Its Implications
Pronatalism encompasses a range of viewpoints that support increased birth rates, motivated by concerns over population decline. While some advocate for personal choice in parenting, others suggest state-sponsored incentives to encourage reproduction. The current U.S. fertility rate has fallen significantly below the replacement level, indicating a potential crisis if not addressed. Critics argue that while the movement aims to enhance birth rates, it risks promoting controversial practices reminiscent of eugenics, particularly as it intersects with varying beliefs about which traits should be prioritized in children.
The Role of Technology in Pronatalist Strategies
The Collins family's approach is also defined by their use of advanced reproductive technologies to select embryos based on desired traits, a practice they view as an extension of their pronatalist values. They utilize polygenic risk score selection to assess embryonic traits such as susceptibility to diseases, aiming to optimize the health and potential of their future children. This method raises ethical questions regarding the implications of selecting for traits like intelligence and health, drawing attention to the evolving landscape of fertility technology, particularly within Silicon Valley. The integration of genetic technology into family planning reflects a shift in how some view parenting and reproductive choices in the context of a declining birth rate.
Broader Societal Impacts and Critiques of Pronatalism
The discussion around pronatalism has sparked debate, with some viewing it as a movement intertwined with far-right ideologies and potentially racist undertones. Critics highlight that while proponents argue for higher birth rates as a means of sustaining society, the parallels to eugenics and historical patterns of discriminatory practices raise valid concerns. The Collinses defend their stance by emphasizing individual choice and the dangers of population decline without coercive measures. As they engage in broader conversations about the future of family structures, the intersection of technology, ethics, and societal values continues to challenge the frameworks through which pronatalist ideas are perceived.
Malcolm and Simone Collins hope to have 10 children to help avoid what they see as a pending demographic collapse. They tell Lucy Hockings that as pronatalists they want to promote the dangers of falling fertility rates and encourage other people to have more children.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode