JD Vance’s recent comments about “childless cat ladies” have sparked considerable backlash from various political and social figures. Despite the controversy, conservative women grappling with infertility are showing resilience in their political allegiance, often dismissing Vance’s remarks as a minor issue compared to broader national concerns.
Since his nomination as Donald Trump’s vice-presidential running mate, Vance has faced intense scrutiny over his comments about individuals without children. Vance has suggested that such people are “more sociopathic” and contribute to a decline in national mental stability. He has criticized “America’s leadership class,” particularly Democrats and journalists, for their childlessness, and has even proposed that parents should receive extra votes and childfree individuals should face higher taxes.
While these remarks have been condemned by Democrats and some Republicans, including The View’s host, many conservative women dealing with infertility are undeterred. Five women, interviewed by the Guardian, expressed that while Vance’s language was upsetting, it would not influence their voting decisions. They remain focused on broader issues that they believe are more pressing.
Courtney Deady, a 34-year-old Ohio resident who has faced infertility for nine years, noted that while the term “childless cat ladies” is disparaging, she finds the discussion of such comments to be less relevant compared to other significant issues. Similarly, Ashley Owings from California, who overcame infertility, emphasized that Vance’s comments are more likely the result of communication missteps rather than deliberate attacks.
Infertility affects approximately one in eight couples, yet political attitudes towards family and children often reflect deeper ideological divides. Pew Research Center data reveals that 60% of Republicans believe declining birth rates will negatively impact the U.S. future, whereas only 37% of Democrats share this view. This partisan gap has been widening, with Democrats increasingly choosing to remain childfree.
The polarized nature of contemporary American politics may explain why conservative women are less likely to be dissuaded by Vance’s comments. According to Lilliana Mason, a political science professor at Johns Hopkins University, partisan identities have become deeply intertwined with social issues, influencing how individuals perceive and rationalize political statements.
Caroline Harries, president of the Christian infertility support group Moms in the Making, is undecided about her vote this year but remains unperturbed by Vance’s comments. She believes that showing empathy for those struggling with infertility would be impactful.
Vance has since clarified his position, stating that his criticisms were aimed at the Democratic Party’s stance on family issues rather than individuals without children. He has previously criticized prominent Democrats, including Kamala Harris, for not being biological parents.
Kaitlyn Heslep, a North Dakota resident who experienced infertility, partially agrees with Vance’s view that higher birth rates contribute to societal benefits but remains committed to voting for him based on economic policies. However, she expressed discomfort with some GOP positions on in vitro fertilization, a topic Vance and other Republicans have recently contested.
Despite the criticism, Deady remains supportive of Vance, appreciating his stance on certain values, even as she acknowledges the challenges posed by the political landscape.
Related Links:
