Too many U.S. moms are in debt from giving birth. They deserve better.

After giving birth to my first child, I opened the mailbox to find a bill for nearly $50,000. 

It was a shock, though I was relieved to see that with government-subsidized insurance (my husband was in the military), we only owed $300. This bill might have been terrifying for some families, but for us, the military’s health benefits offered stability. The U.S. government recognizes that investing in the health of military families is critical to national security. So, what if we applied that mindset to all of our nation’s families?

Why childbirth costs are a burden for American families

Too many new parents don’t have this security. A recent CNBC article cited “systemic failures in the private insurance system that cause families … to acquire giant bills after childbirth.” Even insured families face out-of-pocket costs averaging $2,655 for a vaginal delivery and $3,214 for a cesarean section. And for people with a high deductible, families can find themselves tens of thousands of dollars in debt in a country with no paid maternity leave, leaving them in a huge financial hole as they’re just starting out as a family. 

It gets even tougher for families with high-deductible plans or those without insurance. These costs often climb to tens of thousands of dollars, leaving many new parents with childbirth debt at a time when they need all the financial stability they can get. Compare that to Norway, where childbirth is not only covered, but new parents also receive a $5,000 “baby bonus.”

How other countries support families

In Norway, maternity and childcare support policies aren’t just “nice to have” but are a priority because these investments support families—and, by extension, society. England follows a similar model: through the National Health Service (NHS), prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care are entirely covered for all residents.

Brazil also provides free public healthcare for childbirth, ensuring that families, regardless of income, have access to safe delivery options.

Medical debt from childbirth: The lasting impact on families

In the U.S., high birth costs affect moms and families long after they leave the hospital. The strain of medical debt isn’t just a financial issue; it impacts physical and mental health, too. Debt from medical expenses, especially childbirth, is linked to delayed medical care and even poorer outcomes for mothers and children. Research from the Kaiser Family Foundation points out that families with medical debt are more likely to experience mental health challenges and decreased long-term financial stability.

Why can’t the U.S. do more? We are the world’s wealthiest nation, yet we leave many new parents financially strained right as they start their family journey. Our system implies that childbirth is a personal financial burden rather than a collective investment in the next generation. But other countries recognize that by supporting parents, they’re also investing in their society’s future.

Breaking the financial strain of starting a family in America

Imagine what could happen if every family in America could welcome a new child without fearing financial ruin. Policies like expanding public healthcare coverage, increasing access to universal maternity care, and creating a tax credit or stipend for new parents could make a big difference. Military families are given these benefits because their well-being is a national priority. Shouldn’t every family’s well-being be one, too?

In Norway and England, the decision to support new families reflects a deep-seated belief that bringing life into the world isn’t something that should come with a price tag. The current U.S. model burdens moms with debt and financial stress when they need support most. It’s time to recognize that American families, especially moms, deserve better. Because they’re not just creating families; they’re creating our future.