If there’s any decision a woman can make for her life that’s sure to cause controversy, it’s the desire to be child-free. Whether this is due to parents who strongly desire to be grandparents or perception of ‘traditional values, others are sure to have something to say. However, your reproductive rights include the right not to have children. Today, more and more women are opting to live a child-free life. The reasons behind this decision are as diverse as the women making this decision. If you are among the women choosing to live child-free, you aren’t alone.
What To Know About Choosing To Live Child-Free
It may be surprising for some people to learn that you don’t want to have children. For centuries there has been a common conception that this is the culmination of a woman’s purpose. Think about all of the dolls and shows you watched growing up. They all seemed centered around finding a partner, having a family, and raising them. There were even movies that showed an independent woman who opted to live childfree coming around because of some cute protagonist. Sometimes it was “the right man,” and sometimes, it was a child that “awoke the maternal instincts” in her.
The social pressure to start a family is something we’ve lived with since our earliest years. However, this social pressure undermines the fact that a growing number of women don’t want children. Contrary to popular belief, those that opt not to have children aren’t broken in any way. Many women who choose to live child-free enjoy the company of children and have no desire to have any of their own.
Some simply wish to focus on their careers and enjoy the freedom that comes with being child-free. Others simply find the idea incredibly uncomfortable and have no personal desire to ever have children. Many people are looking at the world around them and simply feel it’s irresponsible to bring a child into the current state of affairs. Millions of children don’t have homes, go hungry, or suffer in other ways.
One common misconception is that women who are LGBTQ generally do not wish to have children. However, there is a preponderance of these women who wish to adopt or bear their children. The desire to be child-free is personal, and the reasons behind the decision are equally personal. A growing number of women from every walk have stated that they choose to live voluntarily child-free.
How We Can Help You Live Childfree
If you choose to live a child-free lifestyle, communicate that to your women’s healthcare provider. They can ensure that you have access to your desired form of contraception. You can also discuss more permanent reproductive options. Many women choosing to live childfree seek tubal ligations as a permanent measure. Reach out to your women’s healthcare provider to find out what options are available to you.
