Hungary has become a global case study in how strong pro-family policies can support mothers and families. Under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Hungary has implemented aggressive initiatives to create a culture of life, combining financial incentives, legal protections, family benefits, and cultural campaigns to promote motherhood and stable families. 

At Human Coalition, our vision is to make abortion unthinkable and unnecessary by rescuing children through caring for moms. Hungary’s approach provides a real-world example of how a nation can prioritize families and offer tangible support for women facing unexpected pregnancies. Here are some key lessons from Hungary that can inspire the pro-life movement in America. 

1. Pro-Family Policies Appear to Reduce Abortion Rates 

Hungary has introduced a suite of pro-family incentives since 2010. In that time, Hungary has also experienced a nearly 50% decline in abortions. In 2010, more than 40,000 children were aborted in Hungary—a number that declined to approximately 21,000 in 2023.  

These policies include: 

• Tax breaks for families — Large tax deductions per child, with mothers of two or more children receiving a lifetime income tax exemption. 

• “Baby Bonus” loans — Young married couples can receive interest-free loans that are partially or fully forgiven as they have more children. 

• Housing and childcare benefits — Families receive generous housing grants and reduced mortgage rates to make homeownership more attainable. 

• Extended maternity and paternity leave — Parents can take up to three years of paid leave, providing stability for families. 

2. Legal and Cultural Strategies Protect Life 

Hungary has not banned abortion outright but has implemented policies such as: 

• Constitutional protection for the preborn, stating that life begins at conception. 

• The “heartbeat decree,” requiring women seeking abortion to listen to their baby’s heartbeat before proceeding. 

3. The Role of the Church in Building a Culture of Life 

Hungary’s pro-family movement is reinforced by a strong faith-based cultural push that emphasizes traditional family values. The government actively partners with churches to promote life and offers tax benefits to faith-based institutions. 

In fact, Viktor Orbán stated in 2019: “The Hungarian people and their government believe that Christian virtues provide peace and happiness to those who practice them.” 

In America, the church remains one of the most powerful forces for life. To make abortion unthinkable, we must equip churches to boldly engage in the pro-life mission. 

4. Lessons for America: Implementing Pro-Family Policies 

The U.S. has seen declining birth rates and increasing economic concerns for young families. Hungary’s example shows that investing in families can help reverse these trends. Here are a few policies that could be adapted to fit the American context: 

• Expanding the Child Tax Credit to ease financial burdens on parents. 

• Providing paid maternity leave and workplace flexibility for new moms. 

• Encouraging adoption-friendly policies that streamline the process and support birth mothers. 

• Strengthening pregnancy center networks to reach more abortion-seeking women with life-affirming resources. 

A Call to Action: Be a Part of the Solution 

Hungary is not a perfect nation. Abortion is still legal and accessible, and some of Hungary’s policies appear more oriented toward increasing the birth rate than toward protecting children from abortion and ensuring the flourishing of families. However, Hungary’s successes provide hope. When a nation values life, supports mothers, and builds strong families, abortion rates can decline, and families become stronger. 

At Human Coalition, we are working tirelessly to rescue children from abortion in America. But we can’t do it alone. You can be a part of the solution by continuing to support pregnancy centers, advocate for pro-family policies, engage your church, and pray for the flourishing of life and family in our nation!  

By working together, we can create a nation that champions life. Let’s build a future where every mother feels empowered to choose life and every child is welcomed into the world with love and support.