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Uncanny Valley | WIRED

Do We Need To Have More Babies?

Mar 6, 2025
Silicon Valley's elite push for more babies sparks a lively debate on pronatalism. Influential figures like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are vocal on the need to address declining birth rates. The discussion delves into the ethics of selective pronatalism and genetic screening, raising important questions about our future. Case studies, such as Japan's aging crisis, highlight the broader societal implications. Meanwhile, new reproductive health tech is transforming fertility tracking, but the need for privacy remains a concern. It's a fascinating exploration of parenting in today's world.
31:13

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Quick takeaways

  • The pronatalism movement in Silicon Valley advocates for higher birth rates as a solution to potential population collapse and economic decline.
  • Debates around reproductive technologies highlight ethical issues related to selective pronatalism and the risk of eugenics shaping societal inequalities.

Deep dives

Understanding Pronatalism

Pronatalism is an ideology that encourages higher birth rates, particularly in response to concerns about population decline. In Silicon Valley, prominent figures like Elon Musk have expressed that low birth rates pose a greater threat to civilization than global warming, citing that a population collapse could lead to significant economic challenges. Musk, who has fathered multiple children, embodies the pronatalist movement, as does Jeff Bezos, who has commented on the necessity of addressing declining birth rates. Other supporters of this movement come from various backgrounds, including politicians like J.D. Vance, who have controversially suggested that the voices of parents should carry more weight in political discourse.

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