They believe the nation would be happier and more virtuous if we spent more of our adult lives taking care of children—and if our children grew up with more siblings. Taken together, these narratives sorely challenge family policy prescriptions, particularly pro-natalist policies. Cash incentives and tax relief won’t persuade people to give up their lives. People will do that for God, for their families, and for their future children. If you want to find a policy angle to improve the birth rate, expanding the scope for religion in people’s lives is the most viable path. Make it easier for
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