Governments across Europe and the US are implementing pro-natalist policies to combat falling birth rates, including enhanced parental leave, tax breaks, and childcare subsidies. This follows concerns voiced by figures like Elon Musk, who highlights declining fertility as a major threat to Western civilization. However, demographers emphasize that these policies predate Musk's pronouncements and that while raising awareness, his influence on policy changes is minimal. Experts are divided on the effectiveness of these incentives, citing examples where similar programs have yielded limited results, highlighting the complexities of reversing long-term demographic trends.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.