For decades, data scientists have warned about declining birth rates, the so-called “baby bust.” But until recently, those warnings fell on deaf ears. Overpopulation fears dominated the public conversation, making the idea of population decline seem implausible. That’s starting to change.
A growing pro-natalist movement is gaining traction in American politics, with the Trump administration among those exploring incentives to encourage family growth. European governments have grappled with similar challenges for years, but their various programs have consistently failed to reverse the trend.
This debate often highlights our divisions, both within the pro-life movement and in society as a whole. We argue about which policies work, whose responsibility this is, and what role the government should play. But what if we started by investing in an area where we already agree?
Consider adoption. Despite the many practical ways we could make it more accessible, it remains an overlooked solution that is rarely prioritized in policy discussions or public debate.
One notable exception is the adoption caucus on Capitol Hill which stands as the largest bipartisan coalition in the U.S. government, largely due to the efforts of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI). CCAI unites staunch Democrats like Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota with long-serving Republicans such as Senator Chuck Grassley.
Broad support
Adoption is one of the few family issues that enjoys broad support across ideological and religious lines.
It’s more than just an alternative to abortion; it’s a profound, compassionate response to the needs of vulnerable children from around the world.
For Christians in particular, who adopt at rates higher than the general population, adoption is a tangible expression of our belief that every child bears the image of God and is worthy of love, protection and belonging.
In 2018, Lifeline Children’s Services partnered with the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention to protect the Adoption Tax Credit. The ERLC not only helped draft key policy documents, they also opened doors and advocated alongside us on Capitol Hill. Thanks to this bipartisan, common-sense policy, thousands of families have provided permanent homes for children in need.
After nearly two decades in the adoption field, I can say with confidence: the biggest hurdle for most families isn’t willingness — it’s cost. That’s why preserving the Adoption Tax Credit was so important, and why we need more bold pro-life champions like Travis Wussow and Brent Leatherwood with the ERLC, who fought to keep it in place.
Some critics argue that adoption isn’t a solution to low birthrates but a response to family breakdown. And they’re right. Adoption doesn’t raise fertility rates. But it does something just as important: it addresses the immediate human fallout of cultural and economic instability. While we seek long-term answers to demographic decline, we must not neglect the children who are already here, waiting for someone to say yes.
Christians should absolutely continue to invest in strong families and share the truth about the blessing of children. It would be unwise to ignore the problems that are fueling the baby bust.
But so far, no government incentive, domestically or abroad, has shown a clear link to increased birth rates.
Adoption policy, on the other hand, has had a measurable impact: more children placed in loving homes, more families able to say yes to life-changing commitments, more Christians able to live out a principal tenet of our faith — to care for the fatherless.
We cannot afford to waste years debating the best way to reverse the declining birth rate while overlooking practical solutions for children right in front of us. The pro-life movement should lead with compassion and clarity, supporting tangible ways to love the least of these.
In a polarized era, adoption is one issue that should unite us.
May it be our common ground and our rallying cry.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Herbie Newell and originally published by the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. Herbie Newell is president and executive director of Lifeline Children’s Services.
