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Trump Administration Mulls “Perks” to Boost Birth Rate While Attacking Medicaid, Child Care

HeadlineApr 22, 2025

The New York Times is reporting the Trump administration is soliciting ideas from right-wing think tanks like the Heritage Foundation to help boost the U.S. birth rate. The proposals shared with the White House include a $5,000 cash payment after having a baby, ways to address infertility, and creating a “National Medal of Motherhood” for women who have six or more children. The so-called pronatalist movement is supported by Vice President JD Vance — and Elon Musk, who has 14 children. The push comes even as the White House and the Republican Party are weighing cuts to Medicaid, which covers two out of five U.S. children. Democratic House Whip Katherine Clark responded on social media, “This isn’t complicated: 1) Affordable child care; 2) Paid family leave; 3) Stop trying to slash health care for women and kids.” 

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