Argentina’s Milei wants women to have more children while he cuts support for families

Argentine President Javier Milei recently criticized women for the decline in birth rates during his address at a luxury hotel in Buenos Aires. He blamed the abortion-rights movement, referred to as the "green bandanas," for this decline and suggested that reduced birth rates would negatively impact the country's economy and pension system.

Despite his personal stance of not having children, Milei urged women to have more children to improve Argentina's economic outlook. However, his policies have done little to encourage or support women in having children.

According to a recent report by the coalition La Cocina de los Cuidados, Argentina's national care-related policies have dwindled from 50 to just two fully operational programs under Milei's administration. The country's fertility rate stands at 1.2 children per woman, below the threshold needed to maintain a stable population. While feminist movements have helped shift the perception of motherhood as one of many life projects, the desire to have children remains strong among Argentine women.

The survey found that 57% of people aged 18 to 45 would like more children if there were no limitations. However, economic security, housing, and caregiving responsibilities are the most commonly cited barriers.

Notably, some of the support programs have been dismantled under Milei's administration, including the 1,000 Days Plan, which provided comprehensive support during pregnancy and the first months of a child's life. The funding for early childhood centers and disability care benefits has also been reduced or eliminated. The only two measures still fully in place are the Child-Rearing Index and a pension credit for women with children.

Economist Lucía Cirmi Obón, who helped author the study, argues that many families must figure out how to raise, support, feed and care for children on their own. She calls for a National Care Agreement to channel existing demand for caregiving support. However, Milei's ultraconservative government has also introduced broader social changes, such as a labor reform allowing 12-hour workdays, which reduces the time available for raising and caring for children.

Additionally, the education budget has been affected, despite a potential opportunity to improve the quality of education and expand early childhood services.

Philosopher Florencia Sichel, who spoke about the matter while attending to her young daughter, highlights that the decline in birth rates is part of a larger issue tied to rights and public policy. She emphasizes the need for a more welcoming environment for children, including well-maintained parks, publicly supported care services, and parental leave policies.