The current landscape for teenagers has shifted notably, with many opting to engage with platforms like TikTok rather than participating in unprotected sexual activities, leading to a decline in teenage pregnancies. A recent report reveals that the teenage birth rate in the United States dropped by 7% in 2025. While this trend could be viewed positively, it has raised concerns among certain conservative factions.
Fox News, for instance, aired a segment that portrayed the reduction in teenage pregnancies as troubling. Medical analyst Marc Siegel pointed out, “We still see 3.6 million births annually, but the issue lies with teenagers and young adults. The fertility rate among those aged 15 to 19 has decreased by 7%, and over the last twenty years, it has plummeted by 70%. This indicates we are advising young individuals to postpone parenthood until they reach a more stable position in life.” Is this really a cause for concern?
Podcaster and prominent conservative figure Katie Miller also expressed her dismay. She took to social media to argue that hormonal birth control is detrimental not only to women’s health but is also contributing to a decline in population growth. “Our biological purpose is to bear children, not to be tied to desks chasing careers while our civilization dwindles,” she stated.
Miller is not just any commentator; she is married to Stephen Miller, who has served as the White House’s deputy chief of staff for policy and played a significant role during Donald Trump’s presidency. Despite advocating for traditional gender roles, Miller has forged her own path in political communications, transitioning from the White House to a position with Elon Musk and later launching a podcast aimed at attracting more women to conservative ideals. By criticizing birth control, she aligns herself with the objectives of Project 2025. The Republican Party appears to be not only focused on overturning the right to safe and legal abortion but also subtly restricting access to contraceptive methods.
What could be the next step for the party that champions “family values”? They have already hinted at support for child marriage. In recent years, several Republican lawmakers have suggested that prohibiting child marriage—still legal in numerous states—could lead to an increase in abortions and a decrease in pregnancies. For example, New Hampshire state representative Jess Edwards remarked in 2024 that 16- and 17-year-olds are at a “ripe, fertile age” who should be allowed to marry and start families. However, one should not expect government assistance for these families; as Trump stated recently, there is no funding available for daycare due to the prioritization of military expenditures.
Arwa Mahdawi is a columnist for The Guardian.
Join Mehdi Hasan and Arwa Mahdawi on June 8 for a discussion on the significant shifts in global politics, the concerning rise of populism and nationalism, and their worldwide repercussions. This event will be held in London and streamed live across the globe; tickets can be booked here.
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