The U.S. presidential election is always a sprawling and complex event, with countless issues up for debate. In 2016, immigration took center stage. In 2020, the pandemic shaped much of the conversation. But in 2024, a surprising new issue has come to the forefront—having children.

Last night’s presidential debate covered a wide range of topics: the economy, foreign policy, immigration, and gun control. But another hot-button issue was abortion, and the discussion became heated. Kamala Harris delivered a passionate defense of abortion rights, sharing personal and dire medical situations to illustrate the importance of choice. She laid much of the blame on former President Donald Trump, while Trump shot back, accusing her of lying. He asserted his support for exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the mother’s life.

But the conversation took an unexpected turn when the subject broadened to women’s bodies and their choices about childbirth. Harris made a pointed remark, saying, “The government—especially Donald Trump—has no business telling women what to do with their bodies.” The statement ignited a larger debate about a woman’s right to make personal decisions, not just about abortion but also about motherhood in general.

Taylor Swift Steps In

Pop superstar Taylor Swift waded into the debate soon after, endorsing Harris’s stance in a viral Instagram post. She signed off cheekily as a “childless, cat lady,” a reference to the infamous comment by J.D. Vance, Trump’s running mate. Swift’s post caught fire online, rallying supporters and sparking fresh discussion about the societal pressures placed on women to have children.

Enter Elon Musk. The billionaire took to Twitter—now known as X—to respond with an offer that many found both bizarre and disturbing. “Fine, Taylor, you win. I will give you a child and guard your cats with my life,” Musk tweeted. His response highlighted a troubling narrative surrounding powerful men’s attitudes toward women’s reproductive choices.

Elon Musk’s Controversial Views

Musk, who has fathered 12 known children, has often spoken about the dangers of “population collapse” and promoted conspiracy theories about declining birth rates. He’s joked about “doing his part” to populate the planet, even as he’s faced personal struggles over custody and relationships with the mothers of his children. Musk’s comments underscored the debate about women’s autonomy and whether men like him, Vance, or Trump have any place making demands about children.

Abortion, Motherhood, and Politics

This isn’t the first time abortion has been politicized. During the debate, Trump accused Harris of lying when she claimed he would support a national abortion ban. However, Trump has hinted at the possibility in the past, and Harris made sure to remind voters of that. But the issue isn’t confined to the Republican side. Even President Joe Biden, a lifelong Catholic who personally opposed abortion, has been forced to align with Democratic pro-choice policies, though often stumbling through the discussions.

Abortion, fertility, and women’s rights have become political battlegrounds not just in the U.S. but across the world. In France, Emmanuel Macron pushed to make abortion a constitutional right, more as a strategic move than a moral one. Poland made headlines when the right-wing government banned most abortions in 2020, a move their new prime minister is now trying to reverse. Across countries and cultures, childbirth remains a topic for public scrutiny and political maneuvering.

The Stigma Surrounding Childlessness

The scrutiny of women’s reproductive choices isn’t limited to abortion. There’s a deep-rooted expectation for women to have children, and those who don’t often face judgment. In the U.K., former Prime Minister Theresa May faced pointed attacks about her childlessness during her bid for leadership. Her rival at the time claimed that being a mother gave her a “real stake in the future,” suggesting that childless women were somehow less invested in society.

Globally, women continue to bear the stigma of not fulfilling societal expectations around motherhood, labeled as “childless cat ladies” or “old maids.” Yet, the conversation remains focused on women—while men, even those with multiple children like Musk, are largely left out of the judgment. Men may discuss motherhood, but the responsibility to have and raise children overwhelmingly falls on women.

Conclusion: Women’s Choices Are Political

As the 2024 election unfolds, it’s clear that issues like abortion, childbirth, and women’s rights aren’t just personal—they’ve become deeply political. Women’s bodies continue to be a battleground for public debate, while men like Trump, Musk, and Vance hold positions of influence over these discussions. The question remains: will society ever stop judging women for their personal choices and start focusing on policies that genuinely support those who choose to become parents?