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Economist Calculates US Could Buy Replacement Fertility for 150000 Per Baby

Modern Wisdom · Birth Rate Debate: Why Is No One Having Kids? - #1099 · May 18, 2026
Economist Calculates US Could Buy Replacement Fertility for 150000 Per Baby
Modern Wisdom
Modern Wisdom
Birth Rate Debate: Why Is No One Having Kids? - #1099
"In the US, I want to say it's about $150,000 per baby. And what if you don't already have a partner? So I don't really— Have a baby, get a check. Find a partner, have a baby. Have a baby, get a check."
Stone cited meta-analysis of 150+ studies showing the US could restore replacement-level fertility by paying $150,000 per birth, equivalent to 5-6% of GDP annually. He noted this would still leave US government spending below most European countries, though he acknowledged such policy is politically unlikely.
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Modern Wisdom
Modern Wisdom

Birth Rate Debate: Why Is No One Having Kids? - #1099

August 3, 2026 · 5 Egleze moments
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