California Governor Gavin Newsom, a prominent contender for the 2028 presidential election, has unveiled a free diaper program aimed at addressing rising living costs. The initiative will provide 400 diapers to each newborn, with a total of 40 million diapers to be distributed this year. This announcement comes in conjunction with Mother's Day on May 10, seen as a strategic move to engage mothers as voters.
According to the Wall Street Journal, during the announcement on May 8, Newsom stated that all newborns discharged from hospitals in California will receive 400 diapers. Given that a newborn typically uses 8 to 10 diapers a day, this supply will last between one month and 50 days. The newspaper reported that a pack of 84 diapers sells for $25.
In a press conference, Newsom emphasized, "This is not a political slogan; it is a tangible provision of a box of diapers." He added, "California aims to reduce the cost of raising a family by providing free school meals, free childcare for four-year-olds, and ensuring that newborns leave the hospital with essential items. Every baby in California deserves a healthy start in life, which means guaranteeing access to necessities from day one."
However, not all newborns will receive diapers immediately. Newsom noted that the 40 million diapers planned for this year represent only 25% of the ultimate goal. Priority will be given to mothers participating in the Medicaid program. California plans to purchase 80 million diapers next year and has requested $12.5 million from the state legislature for this purpose. The budget for this year's diaper program is approximately $7.4 million.
The Associated Press reported that diapers will primarily be distributed through 65 to 75 hospitals that mainly serve low-income patients. Additionally, California is collaborating with the nonprofit organization Baby2Baby to produce diapers under the brand name "Golden State Start."
This initiative reflects California's declining birth rate. Last year, 394,294 newborns were born in the state, a 20% decrease compared to a decade ago, attributed to high housing costs driving middle-class families to relocate to other states.
In the U.S., Tennessee and Delaware are also running free diaper distribution programs for low-income families participating in Medicaid. In Tennessee, families with children under two can receive 100 diapers per month, while Delaware offers 80 diapers and one pack of wipes weekly for the first 12 weeks after birth.
The Hill, a publication focused on Congress, noted that Newsom announced this new cost-of-living policy ahead of Mother's Day weekend, highlighting that he is viewed as a leading Democratic candidate for the 2028 election, where cost of living will be a significant issue. Fox News criticized the initiative, stating that Newsom is proposing a tax-funded free diaper program amid a budget tightening in California.
Meanwhile, the Arab media outlet Al Jazeera pointed out the excessive costs of childbirth and parenting in the U.S. It reported that the average cost of a vaginal delivery is $15,178, while a cesarean section averages $19,292. Alaska has the highest childbirth costs, with vaginal deliveries reaching $29,152 and cesarean sections $39,532. Costs are even higher for non-partner hospitals, with Nevada reporting $49,699 for vaginal deliveries and $72,604 for cesarean sections. Furthermore, childcare expenses in the U.S. account for 40% of disposable income for couples, marking one of the highest rates globally.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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