March 2024 Author Spotlight

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We love a good essay, especially one that sneaks in a call for universal healthcare, but from an angle we often don’t consider — declining U.S. birthrates! Writer, Founder, and Editor-in-Chief of Resident Urbanist, Michael Moore, makes his compelling and well-researched argument

Have as Many Kids as You Want:
A Vision for Revitalizing U.S. Birthrates

by Michael Moore

Originally published in Millennial American Dream

In recent years, the United States has been grappling with a significant decline in birthrates, a trend that poses long-term challenges to its demographic and economic stability. However, a transformative approach focusing on better cities, stronger communities, universal healthcare, and enhanced support for parents could be the key to reversing this trend. This article explores how we can shift from a society where the number of children a family has is dictated by financial constraints to one where families can flourish according to their desires.

The concept of parenting as a job is not new, but it has never been formally recognized in economic terms. By compensating parenting, we acknowledge the immense social and economic value of raising the next generation. The proposal of a $1,000 per child per month payment up to the age of 18 is a bold step in this direction. This support would be higher and longer lasting than any other child payment in the world and will dramatically alleviate the financial pressures that often deter families from having more children.

One of the most significant financial burdens on families is healthcare. Implementing universal healthcare could not only improve overall public health but also lead to substantial savings for families. According to estimates, universal healthcare could save up to $450 billion annually. These savings could also cover more than half of the cost of universal child payment benefits. Funding these ambitious initiatives is feasible through progressive taxation strategies. By taxing those with higher incomes, much like the funding model for public schools, transit, and roads, the government can ensure the universality of the child benefit. This approach not only aids in the equitable distribution of wealth but also fosters a political coalition in support of family welfare.

Urban environments play a crucial role in family planning decisions. High housing costs and the logistical challenges of urban living, such as the “carseat effect” which limits family size due to physical constraints of family sized cars, discourage larger families. Addressing these issues through lower housing prices and family-friendly urban designs can encourage families to have more children.

The responsibility of parenting often extends beyond nurturing to include constant vigilance and transportation. By creating safer, more connected communities and implementing universal childcare, the societal burden on parents can be significantly reduced. These changes can provide parents with much-needed relief and confidence to have larger families. Passing reasonable gun reform will also help.

With these comprehensive changes, doubling the U.S. fertility rate might not be as far-fetched as it seems. The combination of financial support, healthcare, child care, and urban development focused on family needs could create an environment where having three or more children becomes a viable, stress-free choice for many families. The key is not to get those who don’t want kids to have them, but those who do want to have kids to feel comfortable and supported in having twice as many kids. For example, a family with two kids feels secure enough to have two more kids.

The decline in birthrates is more than a demographic challenge; it's a reflection of the societal and economic pressures facing families today. By reimagining our approach to parenting, healthcare, urban planning, and community building, we can create a future where having as many children as one wants is a realistic and supported choice. This vision not only promises a more robust demographic future but also a society where the joys of a larger family are accessible to all, regardless of economic status.