Pronatalism: More Babies, Fewer Choices

Will tech billionaires redefine family and society?

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Introduction

In recent years, a surprising and increasingly visible trend has emerged in Silicon Valley—pronatalism, or the active promotion of higher birth rates.

Elon Musk, with his 11 children, stands at the forefront of this movement, pushing the idea that population growth is essential for humanity’s survival. Musk and other tech elites argue that declining birth rates, especially in developed countries, threaten to destabilize economies and societies. This movement is particularly concerned with ensuring that those who are deemed “intellectually talented” have more children to maintain what they see as the future’s intellectual and technological leadership.

However, pronatalism isn’t simply about having more children—it’s about using technological advancements and wealth to curate the “best” possible offspring. Fertility technologies, including artificial intelligence and genetic screening, are being promoted to ensure that children inherit favorable traits, reinforcing the belief that certain individuals should pass on their superior genetics. This raises ethical concerns, as it creates a divide between those who can afford such technologies and those who cannot.

While some advocates see it as a solution to falling fertility rates and a safeguard for the future of civilization, critics point to the inherent risks. Pronatalism among elites could exacerbate existing inequalities, reducing children to commodities or status symbols rather than focusing on the nurturing and caregiving aspects of parenthood. This trend also raises deeper societal questions about the role of technology in reproduction and the long-term impacts on how we view family and parenting.

What is Pronatalism?

It is basically a push to increase birth rates, particularly in developed countries where populations are aging and fertility rates are declining. Advocates of this movement argue that lower birth rates pose an existential threat to society. Tech elites like Elon Musk and pronatalist couple Simone and Malcolm Collins are vocal proponents, driven by a desire to ensure the survival of their genes and the continuation of civilization.