Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has sparked widespread discussion after addressing the alarming decline in global birth rates. Taking to X, Musk called for a cultural shift in how society approaches childbearing, stating, “Instead of teaching fear of pregnancy, we should teach fear of childlessness.”

Musk’s remarks came in response to statistics highlighting historic declines in fertility rates in Sweden and the United Kingdom. Swedish journalist Peter Imanuelsen noted that Sweden’s birth rates have hit their lowest levels since record-keeping began in 1749, while Britain is experiencing similarly historic lows, with birth rates at their lowest since 1938.

The fertility decline is not isolated to these two countries. A study published earlier this year in The Lancet revealed that fertility rates have dropped below the “replacement level” — the number of children required to sustain a population — in nearly every region of the world. While North Africa, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa still have fertility rates above replacement levels, projections suggest a global decline below replacement levels by 2040.

In 2021, the fertility rate for “high-income” countries, including the U.S., Sweden, and the U.K., was just 1.51 children per woman, significantly below the replacement rate of 2.1. The U.K. recorded a fertility rate of 1.49, while Sweden’s rate stood at 1.71. This trend raises serious concerns about population aging, economic stability, and labor force sustainability.

The Lancet study attributed the potential consequences of declining birth rates to “serious economic challenges and increasing pressure on health systems, social security programs, and the labor force.” The report also suggested that implementing “pro-natal” policies, such as childcare subsidies, extended parental leave, and insurance coverage for infertility treatments, could help slow the decline.

Musk’s comments echo his long-standing concerns about population decline. He has frequently warned of the dangers of an “underpopulated” world, particularly in high-income nations. During an interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson earlier this year, Musk criticized cultural messaging that discourages young women from having children.

“We need to stop scaring women that having a kid destroys your life,” Musk stated during the interview. “This is false. […] We terrify girls into saying that if you get pregnant, your life’s over. This is what schools teach.”

Musk attributed this messaging to what he described as an “extreme” version of the environmental movement. He criticized the narrative that humans are a plague on the Earth, calling it “totally wrong” and asserting that the world is, in fact, “underpopulated.” He also described parenthood as “one of the most delightful, happiness-inducing things you could possibly do.”

While Musk acknowledged that teenage pregnancies can pose societal challenges, he urged society to stop portraying parenthood as a burden and to recognize its vital role in sustaining humanity.

For many Christians, Musk’s remarks touch on themes that align with biblical principles about the value of family and children. Scripture often emphasizes the blessings of children and the importance of raising future generations. Psalm 127:3-5 declares, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.”

Musk’s focus on combating societal hostility toward childbearing resonates with Christian values that celebrate life and view children as a sacred gift. His call to challenge cultural norms that devalue motherhood and family may encourage Christians to reflect on how to promote a biblical vision of family life in an increasingly individualistic and materialistic world.

As birth rates continue to decline globally, the cultural and economic implications are becoming increasingly clear. Musk’s critique of societal attitudes toward childbearing and his call to “teach the fear of childlessness” offers a thought-provoking perspective on a pressing issue.

For Christians, his statements could inspire conversations about how to advocate for pro-family values in society, support policies that make family life more accessible, and encourage young people to see the joy and purpose of raising children.