The upcoming Natalist Conference in Austin, Texas, scheduled for March 28-29, has provoked widespread criticism due to its lineup of speakers, which includes self-described eugenicists and advocates of discredited "race science." The event, hosted at a venue operated by the public University of Texas, is organized by Kevin Dolan, a figure linked to the far-right DezNat movement. It marks the second iteration of this controversial conference.

The conference will feature individuals such as Jordan Lasker, the alleged operator of the pseudonymous "Cremieux" account on X, formerly Twitter. Lasker is a long-time advocate for eugenics, frequently engaging with tech mogul Elon Musk on topics like falling birth rates and race-related IQ claims. Musk, a vocal proponent of pro-natalism, has amplified Cremieux's posts numerous times, further fueling debates over the intersection of tech billionaires and fringe ideologies.

Pro-natalism, which encourages higher birth rates, has increasingly been co-opted by far-right ideologies. Patrik Hermansson, a researcher at the UK-based Hope Not Hate nonprofit, described the Natalist Conference as a key platform for the modern "race science movement," which promotes selective reproduction and "positive eugenics." He noted, "It’s about having more babies, but it’s important to ask whose babies."

The conference's keynote speakers include advocates of "liberal eugenics" and other controversial practices. Jonathan Anomaly, a former academic and senior staff member at Heliospect, a startup offering IQ screening for embryos, is one such figure. Anomaly has publicly promoted embryo selection to "boost IQ" and reduce diseases, despite widespread criticism of these practices as pseudoscientific and ethically questionable.

Another speaker, Diana Fleischman, an evolutionary psychologist and contributor to the online magazine Aporia, has drawn scrutiny for promoting racially charged content. Aporia, operated by the Human Diversity Foundation, has been linked to Emil Kirkegaard, a self-described eugenicist and proponent of race science. Fleischman has also contributed articles defending eugenicist ideas, further fueling the controversy surrounding the conference.

The roster also includes Malcolm and Simone Collins, often referred to as "hipster eugenicists," who advocate for genetically selected reproduction. Their proposals for a city-state centered on "mass production of genetically selected humans" have been criticized as dystopian and reminiscent of historical eugenics practices.

Eugenics, a discredited field aimed at improving the genetic quality of human populations, has a dark history tied to forced sterilizations and racial policies, most notably in Nazi Germany. Many of the ideas promoted by individuals at the Natalist Conference stem from the works of Richard Lynn, a self-described "scientific racist." Lynn's research, which claimed racial disparities in intelligence, has been widely discredited and condemned by academic institutions and journals.

Despite widespread repudiation of these ideas, figures like Lasker and Kirkegaard continue to promote them. Lasker's defense of Lynn's work on his Substack and his association with other controversial figures, such as former Cleveland State University professor Bryan Pesta, further highlight the event's ties to the broader network of race science advocates.

Elon Musk, who has at least 13 children by four mothers, has emerged as one of the most prominent voices in the pro-natalist movement. His statements about falling birth rates threatening human civilization have become a rallying cry for the movement. However, Musk's amplification of accounts like Cremieux and his engagement with race science narratives have drawn sharp criticism. Recent public disputes with musician Grimes and right-wing influencer Ashley St. Clair over his alleged neglect of his children have further tarnished his image.

The conference’s organizers have maintained a degree of secrecy about the event's specifics. While the ticketing page vaguely informs attendees to "register to see address," small print details indicate that venues include the Bullock Museum of Texas History and the AT&T Conference Center. Tickets are priced at $1,000, with purchases requiring approval, reflecting the exclusive nature of the event.

The Natalist Conference underscores the intersection of pro-natalist ideology with far-right and eugenicist movements. As the event garners attention, critics warn of the dangers posed by mainstreaming discredited ideas under the guise of scientific discourse. The involvement of high-profile figures like Musk adds a layer of complexity, raising concerns about the influence of wealthy individuals in shaping public conversations about population and genetics.

As the conference date approaches, scrutiny of its participants and their controversial ideas will likely intensify, sparking broader debates about the ethical and social implications of pro-natalism and its ties to eugenics.