**Declining Birth Rates: Dr. Mehmet Oz Advocates for Increased Fertility Access**
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On 11th May 2026, Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Administrator for the Centres for Medicare & Medicaid Services, addressed concerns about the declining birth rate in the United States during an event at the White House. He asserted that approximately 30 per cent of Americans are “under-babied,” a term he used to describe individuals or couples without children, or those wishing to have more children but unable to do so.
During his speech, Dr. Oz highlighted the need for significant changes to maternal healthcare and fertility treatment access, aiming to reverse the downward trend in the nation’s birth rate that has persisted since around 2007. He emphasised that such a situation poses challenges to the country’s future demographics and workforce sustainability.
Dr. Oz elaborated that being “under-babied” implies that many individuals are not fulfilling their desired family size, which, according to him, has broader implications for society. To counter this phenomenon, he forecasted a surge of what he termed “Trump babies,” referencing the current administration’s initiatives to make fertility treatments more accessible and affordable.
The former television personality also underscored recent innovations introduced by the Trump administration to promote family growth. One significant development has been the launch of TrumpRx, an online platform designed to provide discounted prescription drugs, including those used in fertility treatments. Dr. Oz pointed out that the cost of fertility medications can be a substantial barrier, accounting for over 30 per cent of the total associated costs, and thus a reduction of these prices could encourage more couples to pursue parenthood.
“Anyone purchasing medication in America should utilise TrumpRx.gov to ensure they are receiving the best pricing available,” Dr. Oz commented, referring to the platform as a transparency initiative aimed at helping consumers. His statements suggested that making these medications more affordable could lead to a notable increase in the number of births, which he believes is essential for the nation’s future.
Citing the administration’s broader agenda, Dr. Oz linked his remarks to the “Make America Healthy Again” campaign. He argued that improving the health of women is crucial for promoting childbirth, stating, “You have to get moms healthy enough to do the most creative thing the universe knows, which is making babies.” This remark encapsulated the administration’s strategy to tackle the issue of declining birth rates through improved healthcare initiatives.
At the same event, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. echoed Dr. Oz’s sentiments, characterising the nation’s dwindling birth figures as an “existential crisis.” He made claims regarding the striking decline in sperm counts amongst men over the years, asserting that men in the 1970s had double the sperm count compared to today’s teenagers. This assertion highlights the urgency some officials feel in addressing the underlying issues contributing to the declining birth rate.
As the administration seeks to promote higher birth rates, it remains to be seen how successful these initiatives will be in encouraging couples to start or expand their families. The statistics presented by Dr. Oz indicate a growing concern about America’s demographic future, which he and others believe is critical for the sustainability of the nation.
Through the combined efforts to enhance maternal health services, improve access to fertility treatments, and promote supportive healthcare policies, Dr. Oz and his fellow officials hope to initiate a cultural shift regarding family planning and childbirth. As the administration moves forward, its approach may shape not just the immediate future of healthcare but also the demographic landscape of America for generations to come.