Latest news with #Handmaid'sTale
ABC News
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Why Donald Trump, Elon Musk and JD Vance want to 'Make America procreate again' through pronatalism
Simone Collins is making pizza, sourdough and banana bread while juggling a toddler on her back when a fight breaks out between two of her three older children that inevitably ends in tears. "Every night is the Hunger Games," she jokes. "Every night is chaos, battle royale, flat-out disaster zone." With four kids under six and a fifth on the way, you'd think her and husband Malcolm Collins just love children but Malcolm says it's not really about that at all. "Kids do not exist for our pleasure, right? If you want that, get a pet. Kids, we have to pay to the future the debt we owe the past," he says. The Collinses — who ultimately want at least seven children and preferably up to 12 — have become the poster couple for the pronatalist movement, which promotes having more babies to address falling birth rates. Malcolm believes it is an existential issue that could have an impact on the future of the human race. "Our greatest threat is fertility collapse," he says, while his youngest daughter Industry Americus squirms in his lap. "If fertility collapse does lead to a collapse of human civilisation, eventually all of life dies, because humans are the only life form on this planet that can take life to the stars before the sun eventually and inevitably consumes our planet." Pronatalism is a cause they believe is so grave that Simone is prepared to die for it. After complications with her first birth, she's getting ready to have her fifth C-section, a potentially life-threatening procedure. "Before I met Malcolm, I would do things like base jumping and skydiving, and that also was a pretty risky thing to do, but it didn't make the world a better place or create a new life," she says. The former Silicon Valley couple use their tech connections to grow their family, testing and selecting embryos based on intelligence and future health to have not just a big family, but an optimal one. That's drawn accusations of eugenics, which Malcolm strenuously denies. "When we do polygenic selection or gene modification, everyone's like, 'Oh, people are going to use that to get rid of groups that are seen as disabled, like autistic people'," he says. "And it's like 'bro, my wife is autistic, my two older kids are autistic and we could have selected against it, and we didn't'. "Because with polygenics, rather than the government deciding what are good genes and bad genes, the people who experience those genes get to decide." The couple admits they deliberately troll the left, with controversial statements and Simone's outfit of choice — a pilgrim-style dress topped off with a bonnet and Handmaid's Tale hat. "It's funny because the only way we can avoid a Handmaid's Tale future, is for feminists to have more kids," she says. "Our primary means of raising awareness about demographic collapse has involved making people angry, making people outraged, because that's the only way they're gonna take this issue seriously. "We don't care if we become the punching bags of the movement, if at least people are aware of the fact that this is a major issue." But their willingness to become human clickbait for the cause has taken a toll, with death threats and doxxing a semi-regular occurrence. Simone proudly shows off an AR-15 assault rifle and Beretta mounted on the walls of their 18th century home, in part to protect against the growing threats they face. "We have guns for the death threats but also we have guns because we love guns," she says. The pronatalist movement is spearheaded by someone even more polarising and controversial than the Collinses — billionaire Elon Musk. Fox News asked him what was the biggest thing that keeps him up at night in March. "The birth rate is very low in almost every country and unless that changes, civilisation will disappear," Mr Musk said. Earlier this year — when the father of 14 brought his four-year-old son to a White House meeting with US President Donald Trump — Mr Musk's nose-picking, face-pulling child stole the show. The number of progeny Mr Musk has produced is a source of pride for him. "You've got to walk the talk, so I do have a lot of kids and I encourage others to have lots of kids," he said in 2024. Even though the two men have since spectacularly fallen out, pronatalism is having a moment under the Trump administration. Mr Trump has declared himself the 'fertilisation president', vowing to make IVF more accessible. When campaigning for the presidency, he declared: "I want a baby boom. Oh, you men are so lucky out there, you're so lucky." Earlier this year Vice-president JD Vance told a crowd, "Let me say very simply, I want more babies in the United States of America." Mr Trump's recently passed Big Beautiful Bill included a $US1,000 baby bonus and the Trump administration is reportedly considering several other measures to encourage a baby boom. They include a 'motherhood medal' for women with six or more children and government-funded programs to teach women about their menstrual cycles, so they can work out when they're ovulating and try to conceive. Experts like Associate Professor Catherine Pakaluk from the Catholic University of America are sceptical those measures will make any difference. "I think a fair reading of all of the countries that have looked at this problem squarely, including Australia, is that you can get a little bit of lift by sending out cash to people — baby bonuses, tax credits, subsidies — but that lift in the birthrate seems to be mostly temporary and short-lived," she says. The researcher and author also has a deeply personal connection to the issue — as the mother of eight children herself. Unlike the Collinses, her Catholic faith played a big part in her decision to have a big family and she believes it's religious communities who may hold the key to boosting birthrates. "If you want to encourage child-bearing, have a hard look at the way in which your policies affect or don't affect living church communities," she says. The movement has seen an unlikely convergence of trad (traditional) wives and tech bros — religious groups who oppose things like IVF and abortion and tech advocates like the Collinses, calling for genetic selection, surrogacy and artificial wombs to grow their families. "At the end of the day, the traditional family form folks are not going to be able to get in bed, proverbially, with the tech-genetic-selection-surrogate birth situation," Ms Pakaluk says. "So I don't know what it spells about the future, but I don't expect there to be tight alliances between these really deeply intellectually different positions." Other experts are sceptical that population collapse is even a legitimate concern. Demographer Philip Cohen from the University of Maryland doesn't believe population decline is a real risk for the US or other developed societies, but that aging populations are. "As birth rates fall, the number of old people in society increases and that's expensive," Dr Cohen says. "We have to address that, but what we don't need to be worrying about is population decline as something that must be fixed by more births now or else we're going to be in trouble. "That's just not the case. "At some point in the future, if birth rates don't rise, our populations would decline if we don't reinforce them with immigration, which of course is something we can do if we want to." He believes there are a number of factors behind the current pronatalist push and why its proponents are reluctant to embrace immigration as a solution. "On the political right, the motivations are a combination of nationalism — 'if we don't breed faster, our competitors will outbreed us'," he says of the mentality. "[There is a] sort of a chauvinism or racism, that is a certain kind of people — the wrong kind of people — are having all the children these days so we will be replaced by new populations of people who have higher birth rates, people who aren't as good or desirable for some basically racist reason. "And then there's also a gender component, which is sort of a nostalgia for a patriarchal past." Simone Collins disputes that there's an element of racism within the movement. "There are racist groups that call themselves pronatalists, but they're not, they're white nationalists," she says. "A pronatalist just believes that the future is bright, humanity is good, and everyone should, if they want to, have children." She argues the movement is actually about preserving diversity, not just Western cultures. "A lot of ethnicities, groups, cultures are going go extinct because they're reproducing below repopulation rate," Simone says. When asked why Australians should care about the pronatalist movement, Malcolm Collins is clear. "We will replace you," he says. "The game of who wins human civilisation has entirely changed. Watch 7.30, Mondays to Thursdays 7:30pm on ABC iview and ABC TV Do you know more about this story? Get in touch with 7.30 here.
The Irish Sun
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I broke up with my man for 2 months & he got another woman pregnant – but I'm thrilled to be a step-mum
A WOMAN has shared how she broke up with her man for two months, and he got another woman pregnant, so she is now going to be a step mum. Desiree Allen, who posts under 2 Desiree Allen opened up how her partner got someone pregnant after they split up for two months Credit: 2 She shared a clip from the gender reveal of her man and the other woman Credit: In a video which has racked up over seven million views, the 27-year-old shared how the situation happened. She wrote: 'POV: I broke up with my man for 2 months and he went on a side quest to become a dad so now I get to help him raise a sweet baby girl.' Desiree shared the 'surprise' news in a video filmed at her partner's gender reveal with the other woman. The clip showed the former couple standing together in front of friends and family as they popped a streamer of pink tape, indicating they were having a daughter. More on families Desiree, who already has three children aged nine, five, and four, added: 'No, I'm not the one expecting, but my heart is already full for this baby.' The understanding woman also insisted that she has come to a place of acceptance over the news, saying: 'God has a plan for everything!' Many people were shocked at the tale, and rushed to the comments to give their opinion . The majority of the viewers seemed amazed at how accepting Desiree had been about the situation. Most read in Fabulous One said: 'You don't have to be this forgiving and accepting FYI.' Another added: 'He couldn't have come back to me after that side quest.' Love Island Shaughna Phillips reveals unborn baby's gender in emotional video with jailbird boyfriend out on day release And a third commented: 'May this love never find me.' Others compared the situation to the Handmaid's Tale, where babies born to 'Handmaids' are immediately given away to rich families, to have as their own. However, some people shared support for the pregnant woman involved with the drama. One wrote: 'I'm so devastated for the other girl involved. 'She has to birth the baby and then share it with whatever your situation is…' One agreed: 'My heart hurts for the pregnant mama.' Here's why I love being a young mum Tracy Kiss, who fell pregnant at 19, has revealed what she believes are the pros of being a young mother. The personal trainer and blogger, from Buckinghamshire, believes women who give birth in their teens make BETTER mothers than those in their 30s. She claims young mums snap back into shape quicker, have more energy and relate more easily to their children, meaning they're better behaved and happier. Tracy told Fabulous: "Women who become first-time mums in their teens make better parents than those in their 30s or 40s. "I believe if I'd been 10 or so years older before becoming a mother then I wouldn't have the relationship I have with my children now. "For a start, being older I would have had less energy and therefore less patience. "I wouldn't be as enthusiastic to speak to people after months of sleepless nights as I was in my teens. "My body snapped back to its pre-pregnancy size through fitness post-birth, which in turn gave me the confidence to date and find love again. I've never been happier than I am now at the age of 30 with two children. "If I'd have been alone at 40 with a newborn baby I'd be more tired, less happy with my body, less energetic and far more stressed from the shock of living my life for myself instead of putting others first. Sometimes age and the innocence of ignorance is a good thing. "As a teen mum I just got on with it, found my feet and became responsible and capable because at the time I didn't know any different."
Scottish Sun
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I broke up with my man for 2 months & he got another woman pregnant – but I'm thrilled to be a step-mum
People have weighed in on the drama in the comments OH BABY I broke up with my man for 2 months & he got another woman pregnant – but I'm thrilled to be a step-mum A WOMAN has shared how she broke up with her man for two months, and he got another woman pregnant, so she is now going to be a step mum. Desiree Allen, who posts under @desallen98, uploaded a clip revealing their family's unusual set up, but insists her 'heart is full.' Advertisement 2 Desiree Allen opened up how her partner got someone pregnant after they split up for two months Credit: 2 She shared a clip from the gender reveal of her man and the other woman Credit: In a video which has racked up over seven million views, the 27-year-old shared how the situation happened. She wrote: 'POV: I broke up with my man for 2 months and he went on a side quest to become a dad so now I get to help him raise a sweet baby girl.' Desiree shared the 'surprise' news in a video filmed at her partner's gender reveal with the other woman. The clip showed the former couple standing together in front of friends and family as they popped a streamer of pink tape, indicating they were having a daughter. Advertisement Desiree, who already has three children aged nine, five, and four, added: 'No, I'm not the one expecting, but my heart is already full for this baby.' The understanding woman also insisted that she has come to a place of acceptance over the news, saying: 'God has a plan for everything!' Many people were shocked at the tale, and rushed to the comments to give their opinion. The majority of the viewers seemed amazed at how accepting Desiree had been about the situation. Advertisement One said: 'You don't have to be this forgiving and accepting FYI.' Another added: 'He couldn't have come back to me after that side quest.' Love Island Shaughna Phillips reveals unborn baby's gender in emotional video with jailbird boyfriend out on day release And a third commented: 'May this love never find me.' Others compared the situation to the Handmaid's Tale, where babies born to 'Handmaids' are immediately given away to rich families, to have as their own. Advertisement However, some people shared support for the pregnant woman involved with the drama. One wrote: 'I'm so devastated for the other girl involved. 'She has to birth the baby and then share it with whatever your situation is…' One agreed: 'My heart hurts for the pregnant mama.' Advertisement
The Sun
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I broke up with my man for 2 months & he got another woman pregnant – but I'm thrilled to be a step-mum
A WOMAN has shared how she broke up with her man for two months, and he got another woman pregnant, so she is now going to be a step mum. Desiree Allen, who posts under @desallen98, uploaded a clip revealing their family's unusual set up, but insists her 'heart is full.' 2 In a video which has racked up over seven million views, the 27-year-old shared how the situation happened. She wrote: 'POV: I broke up with my man for 2 months and he went on a side quest to become a dad so now I get to help him raise a sweet baby girl.' Desiree shared the 'surprise' news in a video filmed at her partner's gender reveal with the other woman. The clip showed the former couple standing together in front of friends and family as they popped a streamer of pink tape, indicating they were having a daughter. Desiree, who already has three children aged nine, five, and four, added: 'No, I'm not the one expecting, but my heart is already full for this baby.' The understanding woman also insisted that she has come to a place of acceptance over the news, saying: 'God has a plan for everything!' Many people were shocked at the tale, and rushed to the comments to give their opinion. The majority of the viewers seemed amazed at how accepting Desiree had been about the situation. One said: 'You don't have to be this forgiving and accepting FYI.' Another added: 'He couldn't have come back to me after that side quest.' Love Island Shaughna Phillips reveals unborn baby's gender in emotional video with jailbird boyfriend out on day release And a third commented: 'May this love never find me.' Others compared the situation to the Handmaid's Tale, where babies born to 'Handmaids' are immediately given away to rich families, to have as their own. However, some people shared support for the pregnant woman involved with the drama. One wrote: 'I'm so devastated for the other girl involved. 'She has to birth the baby and then share it with whatever your situation is…' One agreed: 'My heart hurts for the pregnant mama.' Here's why I love being a young mum Tracy Kiss, who fell pregnant at 19, has revealed what she believes are the pros of being a young mother. The personal trainer and blogger, from Buckinghamshire, believes women who give birth in their teens make BETTER mothers than those in their 30s. She claims young mums snap back into shape quicker, have more energy and relate more easily to their children, meaning they're better behaved and happier. Tracy told Fabulous: "Women who become first-time mums in their teens make better parents than those in their 30s or 40s. "I believe if I'd been 10 or so years older before becoming a mother then I wouldn't have the relationship I have with my children now. "For a start, being older I would have had less energy and therefore less patience. "I wouldn't be as enthusiastic to speak to people after months of sleepless nights as I was in my teens. "My body snapped back to its pre-pregnancy size through fitness post-birth, which in turn gave me the confidence to date and find love again. I've never been happier than I am now at the age of 30 with two children. "If I'd have been alone at 40 with a newborn baby I'd be more tired, less happy with my body, less energetic and far more stressed from the shock of living my life for myself instead of putting others first. Sometimes age and the innocence of ignorance is a good thing. "As a teen mum I just got on with it, found my feet and became responsible and capable because at the time I didn't know any different."
Geek Tyrant
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Musical Series Based on Cinderella's Godparents in the Works at Disney+ With Jennifer Lopez Producing — GeekTyrant
A musical limited series based on Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella has landed at Disney+, from Skydance Television, Concord Originals and Nuyorican. The project is in development, and it's reported that the story is from the perspective of the fairy godparents. The series is being written by Rachel Shukert, who is attached as EP and showrunner. The UTA repped Shukert is an EP on Hulu's Nine Perfect Strangers , as well as an EP on the streamer's Handmaid's Tale , and the showrunner of Netflix's The Baby-Sitters Club . In addition to Shukert, Jennifer Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Benny Medina for Nuyorican Productions; Sophia Dilley, EVP of Concord Originals and Co-President of RKO, and former Concord CEO, Scott Pascucci; and Bill Bost will also executive produce. Skydance Television has a pact with Concord to develop a slate of original projects on the latter's vast catalog of musicals which includes Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella, and a modern-day adaptation of Oklahoma! from John Lee Hancock and Bekah Brunstetter. Cinderella is one of Rodgers & Hammerstein's most popular titles. It was originally written for television, debuting in 1957 with Julie Andrews in the lead. The TV movie was nominated for an Emmy Award for her performance. More than 100 million viewers saw the broadcast. Cinderella was re-made for TV in 1965 starring Lesley Ann Warren in the title role with Ginger Rogers and Walter Pidgeon as the King and Queen, and Celeste Holm as the Fairy Godmother. A further television remake followed in 1997 with Brandy as Cinderella, Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother, Bernadette Peters as the Stepmother, Whoopi Goldberg as the Queen, and Jason Alexander as Lionel. via: Deadline
