Should We Worry About Conservative Women Having More Children?

Should We Worry About Conservative Women Having More Children?

The answer is no; this concern doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. Historically, once birth rates start declining, they tend to stay low. When women have more control over their reproductive choices, the shift toward lower birth rates doesn’t reverse. Yes, some new women might adopt conservative views, but the momentum toward personal freedoms and rights is ever-growing. Even many conservative women are just one significant life event—a divorce, an incident of abuse, or a personal awakening—away from questioning or leaving traditional structures entirely.

Many conservatives hold the view that values and beliefs are passed down primarily through birth, but this is one of the least efficient ways to spread a movement. Parents often raise children who, in the end, develop perspectives very different from their own, influenced by peers, societal shifts, and educational experiences. Children are exposed to ideas from schools, media, and online communities, making it nearly impossible for parents to dictate or control their beliefs entirely. Spreading ideas through education and media is far more efficient and has a broader reach than raising children to uphold a single worldview.

Furthermore, the economic reality facing families today isn’t in favor of a significant increase in birth rates. The costs associated with raising children—rent, childcare, healthcare—are continuing to rise. Despite promises from conservative leaders, new economic policies often do little to address these rising costs effectively. This is evident in the U.S., where conservative administrations, despite rhetoric, have not reduced the cost of living or made having large families more sustainable. Conservative couples might have slightly more children on average, but the difference isn’t substantial enough to shift societal trends. Across belief systems and political spectrums, birth rates are trending downward.

Attempting to “outbreed” other groups reveals a lack of understanding of both society and economics. The 4B movement, which encourages women to reclaim their time and resources, has the potential to spread much faster. Not only are we not spending countless hours and resources on raising children, but we’re also able to dedicate time to spreading information and reaching thousands through social media, writing, and community-building efforts. The opportunity cost of having children versus creating change through activism is vast.

It’s also important to remember that many conservative women face immense pressure to publicly uphold the image of an idealized lifestyle. When that facade falls, often during or after divorce, they reveal a different reality. Positive portrayals of traditional family roles should be viewed with caution; the stories behind them are often more complex and tragic.

There isn’t going to be a surge in conservatism simply because conservative women are having children. Many will struggle to afford housing, childcare, and will continue to dream of an idealized lifestyle that, for most, is simply unattainable. And as movements toward limiting birth control and no-fault divorce grow stronger in red states, even conservative women may feel the push to reconsider their choices.

Ultimately, the future lies not in outnumbering others by birth, but by fostering resilience, knowledge, and freedom of choice. As more women embrace 4B, they free themselves from societal expectations and build a life on their own terms. 4B isn’t just a movement; it’s a reminder that real change comes from reclaiming autonomy and prioritizing meaningful impact over traditional expectations. When conservative women are ready to join us, we will welcome them with open arms. ♀