There is nothing more American than the idea that every person deserves a fair chance—a chance to work hard, to raise a family, and to build a future. But for far too many women, children, and families in this country, that chance is slipping away. As the cost of living soars, maternal mortality rates remain alarmingly high, and safety nets for struggling parents continue to shrink, one thing is clear: making America “great again” should never mean turning our backs on the most vulnerable among us.
Caring for mothers and their families isn’t about politics. It’s about basic human decency. And yet, within certain political circles, particularly those aligned with the MAGA movement, empathy for women and children too often takes a back seat to ideological purity. But here’s the truth: no nation can be truly great if it does not prioritize the well-being of its people—especially those who bring life into this world and the children who depend on them.
“Americans may be divided on many issues right now. But, there is one issue in which we have near unilateral agreement: the government must do more to support parents. Mandatory parental leave policies, more affordable childcare, greater tax credits for parents and many more initiatives are all receiving overwhelming support from voters in the latest polls,” shares Melissa Saleh, former journalist and serial entrepreneur.
It’s easy to throw around slogans about family values, but what does it actually mean to value families? It means ensuring that mothers can access affordable healthcare without worrying that a difficult pregnancy will bankrupt them. It means supporting parents with paid leave so they don’t have to choose between bonding with their newborn and keeping food on the table. It means making sure that childcare isn’t so expensive that it forces parents—especially mothers—out of the workforce entirely.
Right now, America is failing on all these fronts. Maternal mortality in the U.S. is shocking. Black women, in particular, are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. Childcare costs are out of control. The U.S. is the only wealthy country without guaranteed paid family leave. New parents are expected to return to work almost immediately after giving birth, often while still healing and adjusting to parenthood.
“Birth rates in the US continue to drop, and young families – and working women in particular – are reporting in growing numbers that they want children but quite literally cannot afford to have them. We are turning the US into a country where having children is exclusively for the wealthy. That must not happen. We must act now to ensure that families have the support they need to bring children into this world and raise them safely,” continues Saleh.
For some in the MAGA movement, the idea of expanding social programs or providing more resources for struggling families is seen as government overreach. They argue that hard work and personal responsibility should be enough. But tell that to the single mother working two jobs just to afford rent. Tell that to the family drowning in medical bills because their child was born prematurely. Tell that to the parents who have no choice but to leave their children in unreliable care because they can’t afford better options.
“Why is more action not being taken? Why is Congress not moving this issue to the top of their agenda?” asks Saleh.
Empathy is not weakness—it is what holds communities together. Strength is not about who can push through hardship alone; it’s about building a society where no one has to. If we truly want to make this country great, we need to acknowledge that a thriving nation depends on strong, supported families, not just economic growth or political victories.
Supporting women and families shouldn’t be a Republican or Democratic issue—it should be a national priority. Yet, policies that could ease the burden on parents are too often dismissed because they don’t align with conservative ideals of limited government.
But let’s be honest: a government that can provide tax cuts for billionaires and bailouts for corporations can certainly afford to support working families.
True patriotism isn’t about winning political arguments or clinging to outdated ideals. It’s about ensuring that every American—regardless of their background, income, or circumstances—has the opportunity to thrive. That starts with supporting the very people who raise the next generation.
Making America “great again” should never mean returning to a time when women and families were left to struggle alone. A truly great nation uplifts its people, protects its most vulnerable, and ensures that no mother has to choose between feeding her child and keeping a roof over their heads.
This isn’t about red or blue. It’s about right and wrong. And if we really want to build a better future, we have to start by caring for the people who need us most.
