Teh Trump administration is launching a series of initiatives aimed at bolstering the nation’s declining birth rate, a trend impacting long-term demographic and economic forecasts.Proposals range from expanding access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and reducing medication costs-earning former President Trump the moniker “the president of fertility”-to establishing new, tax-advantaged “Trump Accounts” for future children.While proponents frame these policies as supportive of families, the moves are already drawing criticism from reproductive rights groups who allege a politically motivated agenda.
The United States is facing a declining birth rate, prompting the Trump administration to launch a series of initiatives aimed at encouraging Americans to have more children. The move reflects a growing concern over long-term demographic trends and their potential impact on the nation’s economy and social fabric.
National birth rates in the U.S. have been steadily decreasing since 2007. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates an average annual decline of 2 percent between 2015 and 2020, although figures have fluctuated in recent years.
Vice President JD Vance recently voiced support for the effort, stating, “I want more babies in the United States.” He also expressed criticism towards individuals choosing not to start families.
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In mid-October, the White House unveiled plans to expand access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) services as part of this broader effort. Former President Trump hailed the initiative, even referring to himself as “the president of fertility.”
The administration also announced price reductions for medications used in IVF treatments through TrumpRx.gov, a government website currently under development that aims to provide more affordable prescription drugs. Mehmet Oz, head of Medicare and Medicaid programs, suggested the initiative could lead to “Trump babies” thanks to the lower cost of infertility medications.
The White House is also encouraging companies to adopt new benefit models offering fertility coverage as a separate option for employees. However, this falls short of Trump’s earlier promise to make infertility treatments free, and may not fully address the long-term financial concerns that often influence family planning decisions.
Beyond expanding access to treatment, the Trump administration is proposing a long-term financial support system for future children.
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” would establish “Trump Accounts”—tax-advantaged savings accounts seeded with $1,000 (approximately Rp 16.6 million) from the federal government for each eligible American child.
Initial deposits are scheduled to begin in 2026, with the government automatically opening accounts for babies born after December 31, 2024, and before January 1, 2029. Parents could contribute up to $5,000 (approximately Rp 83 million) annually, with employers able to contribute an additional $2,500 (approximately Rp 41.6 million) each year.
These accounts are designed for long-term savings. While the specifics are still being finalized, funds would not be accessible until the child reaches 18 years old, at which point the account would likely convert into a traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
Reproductive rights advocates and various advocacy organizations have criticized the administration’s efforts to boost birth rates, arguing they are disproportionate to the simultaneous cuts to federal programs like Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and initiatives supporting women and children.
These groups contend that the “pro-family” focus isn’t simply about encouraging larger families, but rather a political tool to advance a conservative agenda that could jeopardize women’s health, reproductive rights, and workforce participation.
Some have warned that the policies could discourage parenthood and contribute to rising maternal mortality rates.
“The religious right wants more babies from white Christian families and is trying to restrict women’s reproductive freedom to achieve that goal,” said Marian Starkey, a spokesperson for Population Connection, a nonprofit organization promoting population stabilization through increased access to contraception and abortion services.
“The real threat is the continued erosion of reproductive rights.”
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