Why Trump's proposed $5k baby bonus is an insult to women.

[SunSeeker]

Posted on Facebook by Amanda Rosen:

In case yall missed it… Trump is gathering ideas on how to reverse low birth rates. These include offering $5,000 incentives and … menstrual classes. Here is my $0.02 that’s prob worth a penny but humor me.

If reversing the U.S. birth rate was as simple as throwing a $5,000 check at new moms and offering menstrual cycle classes, we’d be drowning in diaper blowouts and baby registries. But spoiler alert: it’s not. America’s birth rate has been on a steady decline for over a decade, hitting record lows in 2023. And no, it’s not because women forgot how ovulation works.

Let’s talk about the actual reasons people aren’t popping out babies like it’s 1952.

First, childcare in this country costs more than a used Honda Civic… per child. Daycare often runs higher than rent, which means a lot of families look at their bank accounts, then look at their toddlers, and think: “You know what? One is good.”

(Unless you’re me. 🫠 )

Then there’s the mental load. That invisible spreadsheet moms are carrying around 24/7? You know, the one tracking school picture day, pediatrician appointments, whether there’s milk in the fridge, and what form needs signing for the field trip? Yeah, that. It’s exhausting. And adding another baby to that mix isn’t a lighthearted decision … it’s a full-on strategic operation.

People are also waiting longer to have kids. And not because they’re out partying until 3 a.m. They’re trying to get stable: financially, emotionally, professionally. Turns out, it’s hard to plan for a baby when you’re still trying to afford a one-bedroom apartment with a stove that doesn’t double as your heater.

And no, it’s not the fault of eating too much avocado toast.

Let’s also not forget the joy that is our healthcare system. The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate in the developed world. Fun! And we still don’t guarantee paid parental leave. So sure, have that baby but don’t expect time to, you know, heal or bond with them.

Fun fact: this applies to men, too. At Alex’s previous place of employment, in the year of our lord 2025, he finally had paid 12 week parental leave. The bare minimum.

And then there’s reproductive rights. When you restrict access to safe abortion and contraception, people respond by not taking chances. Young adults are out here getting IUDs and vasectomies faster than you can say “Justice Alito.”

Add in general economic chaos… rising costs of housing, healthcare, food, everything… and it’s no surprise that many people feel like parenting is an Olympic sport they can’t afford to train for.

Oh, and some folks are also worried about raising kids in a world that’s either on fire, underwater, or both. Climate anxiety is real, and not exactly a turn-on for family planning.

So if we really want to boost the birth rate? Try affordable childcare. Paid family leave. Universal healthcare. Reproductive freedom. Support for working parents. Basic dignity for mothers. You know, actual solutions.

But sure. Let’s start with “menstrual classes.” Bless his ❤

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