SAEDNEWS: A new AP‑NORC survey reveals that most U.S. adults want federal attention on affordable childcare and women’s health rather than boosting birth rates.
According to Saed News, a recent AP‑NORC Public Affairs poll shows that while the Trump administration seeks ways to bolster America’s declining birth rate, relatively few adults share its concerns. Only about three in ten respondents view the nation’s falling fertility as “a major problem,” and just 12 percent believe that encouraging larger families should be “a top priority” for the federal government.
The survey, conducted among a representative sample of 1,200 adults in June, found broad support across party lines for focusing on the high cost of childcare and improving maternal health outcomes. Nearly two‑thirds of Americans said reducing child‑care expenses ought to be a priority, and more than half ranked enhanced prenatal and postpartum care as critical areas for government action.
Despite vocal advocacy from right‑wing figures—including tech entrepreneur Elon Musk and Vice President J.D. Vance, who argue that higher birth rates strengthen society—the poll indicates that neither conservative nor liberal voters are clamoring for pronatalist measures. “Affording quality daycare and ensuring safe deliveries resonate more deeply with families,” said Dr. Emily Larson, who analyses social‑policy trends for AP‑NORC.
Republican respondents mirrored the national pattern: 68 percent favored subsidized childcare, and 55 percent prioritized women’s health, while only 14 percent saw pro‑birth incentives as essential. As policymakers debate tax credits and family allowances, the survey underscores a disconnect between elite discourse and everyday priorities—suggesting that any successful family‑support agenda must address immediate economic and health concerns before tackling long‑term demographic goals.
