Why Childless Pet Parents and Non-Pediatricians Should Care About Kids
Perspective from a Non-Pediatrician and a Non-Parent
I’m not a parent, heck, I’m not even a pediatrician, but I recently launched the first political action committee dedicated to children, Their Future PAC, alongside Dr.
, a pediatrician and parent. So I’m often asked why kids’ issues matter to me. The answer is both quite simple and nuanced, so let me explain. The easiest way to answer this is to simply say, ‘because I’m not a selfish asshole,’ but I do have a more articulate and robust answer.It doesn’t take a parent to realize that future generations deserve better than the legacy we’re currently set to leave behind—a climate catastrophe, staggering debt, a nation where gun violence tops the list of child killers, a healthcare system that is unaffordable and inaccessible to many, and an education system that is rife with inequities. Thanks to Trump/Vance and Project 2025, all of these institutions are now under direct threat. We all bear a moral obligation to leave this place better than we found it, and that obligation should not fall solely on the shoulders of parents. Investing in the well-being and full potential of every child is an investment in the future and prosperity of this country and our world.
Ensuring that children have the resources and opportunities needed to thrive not only provides them with long-term benefits, but it provides long-term dividends to everyone. When children receive a quality education, affordable healthcare, and the support they need to flourish, they are more likely to become skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and taxpayers who contribute to America’s economic growth and prosperity. To put it simply, well-cared-for children are more likely to grow into responsible and productive members of society. Conversely, neglect and adverse circumstances frequently lead to broader societal detriment.
Beyond the economic rationale, championing children’s well-being is a moral and ethical imperative. (Although I realize morals and ethics aren’t top of mind for the architects of Project 2025). Advocating for children’s well-being is a matter of human rights. Every child should have the right to a safe and nurturing environment, access to a quality education and healthcare, and protection from harm. And yes, this includes protection from gun violence at school, at home, in places of worship, and everywhere in between.
Caring for children and the issues that impact them demonstrates a commitment to the welfare of some of the most vulnerable among us, and it sets a lasting example for future generations. This obligation transcends parental status (and is also independent of pet parent status). Rather, it is a collective responsibility that we all share.
As James Baldwin said, “the children are always ours, every single one of them, all over the globe; and I am beginning to suspect that whoever is incapable of recognizing this may be incapable of morality.” Are you listening, JD? The United States prides itself on being a leader in every respect, so that other countries may follow the example we set. Despite our leadership on so many other issues, the U.S. is failing our children. Our record on child welfare is lamentably inadequate, and the world is noticing.
Ultimately, the work I do will speak for me. I am proud to be in this fight for kids’ futures. The America we leave behind for generations to come matters. This is not a radical notion. As a childless pet parent, and a concerned citizen, it would be a grave moral mistake not to prioritize kids’ issues. Future generations don’t have to be voiceless, not when we have the power to use our vote as our voice and finally prioritize kids in D.C. and beyond.
In every election, America’s children are on the line, and the choice could not be more clear. There is only one party prioritizing our children. I will do everything in my power every day to ensure we defeat the dangerous MAGA Republican agenda.
Bring your kids, bring your pets, I don’t care. But remember, when we fight, we win!
