Meghan McCain Criticizes MAGA Pressure on Women's Motherhood Choices
Meghan McCain has publicly criticized the pressure within the MAGA movement for conservative women to prioritize motherhood, arguing for a more inclusive vision of womanhood. On Monday, she told her followers on X, "We should be welcoming of all kinds of women and voters."
McCain's Stance on Motherhood and Conservative Messaging
In her post, McCain expressed support for having children but highlighted issues with conservative rhetoric. "I am obviously a huge proponent of having children, but one thing that really bothers me about conservative messaging on this is there are so many women who want to become mothers and can't or just haven't found the right person. Also, some women don't want children, and it's okay," she wrote. Her remarks come amid a growing push in conservative circles for women, particularly younger ones, to focus on motherhood, a trend popularized online by "tradwife" influencers and the pro-natalist movement.
Public Figures Promoting Motherhood
Several high-profile conservative women have recently emphasized motherhood. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, "There is no greater joy in life than the joy that comes from being a mother. All young women should be told this!" Similarly, Katie Miller, wife of deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, declared that "the most fulfilled a woman will ever be is raising babies in a house full of love." When questioned about the high costs of fertility treatments, Miller responded, "Sex is free." Second lady Usha Vance has also publicly discussed her pregnancy, adding to this narrative.
Broader Conservative Advocacy for Early Motherhood
Last year, Turning Point USA's Erika Kirk urged young women to start motherhood early, telling couples, "Please don't put it off." Her late husband, Charlie Kirk, encouraged women to pursue the "M-R-S degree," a term referring to attending college to find husbands. This rhetoric aligns with a broader conservative effort to promote traditional family roles.
McCain's Personal Experience and Criticism
McCain, who has shared her journey with miscarriages publicly, finds this messaging harsh. "I find this messaging just so harsh, and I know others do too because they privately message me about it. So many women are feeling so much shame, and I hate it," she wrote. In response, Katie Miller argued that "too many women aren't told the harsh realities of biology" and suggested that women should invest more energy in dating rather than careers.
Call for Nuanced Conservative Womanhood
McCain concluded by advocating for a more nuanced image. "I just don't get what we're doing here and would be cool if we focused on a broader idea and more nuanced image of a conservative woman," she said. Her comments highlight an ongoing debate within conservative circles about gender roles, family planning, and inclusivity, urging acceptance of diverse life choices beyond motherhood.
