This episode explores the rise of pronatalism, a movement advocating for increased birth rates to counter demographic decline, through an interview with a pronatalist couple, Malcolm and Simone Collins, and a BBC correspondent. Against the backdrop of falling fertility rates in the U.S. and other developed nations, the Collinses describe their personal approach, which involves having a large family and employing polygenic risk score selection for their embryos. More significantly, the discussion delves into the broader implications of pronatalism, encompassing its diverse range of beliefs, from simple encouragement of reproduction to state-sponsored policies and anti-abortion stances. For instance, the interview highlights the concerns of pronatalists regarding demographic collapse and its potential economic and social consequences. In contrast, the correspondent provides context by outlining the history of pronatalist movements and the ethical controversies surrounding genetic selection and the potential overlap with eugenics and other discriminatory ideologies. The interview concludes by examining the influence of pronatalist views within the Trump administration and the potential for policy changes that could impact family planning and birth rates in the U.S. What this means for the future is a complex interplay between personal choices, societal pressures, and potential government policies, all within a context of evolving ethical considerations.
