For women, having children is almost similar to getting married. It is what people expect of them. When women, especially young women, say that they do not want to have kids, they are not always taken seriously. They are presumed ‘unsure‘. “You’ll change your mind,” they are told. Or, “Wait until your biological clock starts ticking.” Or, “Loneliness will drive you out of your idea.”
But is that really true?
So, what happens when a woman rejects that classification and controversially does not want kids? How does society view her?
A lot of women have cited finances as a reason for not having kids, overpopulation, not having the right partner, childhood trauma, and a load of black tax. Many people feel they have to give a reason, but the big reason could just be that a lot of people, both men and women, simply do not want kids. And that is a full explanation. They do not feel the infamous baby fever, they do not enjoy being around kids or they do not think they can take care of kids. This should be fine and accepted.
Some famous and powerful women including Oprah Winfrey, Renée Zellweger, Miley Cyrus and Tracee Ellis Ross have publicly declared their choice to not have babies.
However, many women feel they have to keep their decision a secret, or fake medical issues, simply because they fear societal backlash of admitting they do not want children. Surprisingly, this pressure comes from other women and women within their own families.
All said and done, younger women who believe that a child-free life is an unfulfilled life are advised to carefully consider their reasons for getting kids. It is not advisable to presume that they can control their life just by making choices. Sometimes even the choices we make by default can bring great happiness, just not the sort we envision.
Analyze your need for children. In no way should it be because of external pressure. Ultimately, the freedom to choose, one way or the other, is something we should celebrate.
