Childfree

I Didn’t Choose to be Childfree

Why there isn’t always a choice to be made

Photo by Alonso Reyes on Unsplash

I’ve noticed a common theme developing in discussions around people who are childfree by choice lately. Alongside those calling us weird or selfish, more complimentary voices are emerging—those who want to thank us for our sacrifice.

It’s a positive step, but this narrative is also deeply problematic. Here’s why.

It’s not that the idea of the ‘noble childfree’ is a myth, exactly. There are many honourable reasons why people might, and often do, choose to forgo children.

As outlined in the new, more positive portrayal of the childfree lifestyle, these reasons might include concerns about:

• overpopulation and lack of global resources
• the impact of children on the environment
• generational trauma and passing on mental health problems
• the instability of a world riven by war, poverty and fascism.

These are all very valid reasons to not bring fresh life into the world. As the climate crisis worsens and political tensions escalate day by day, scores of people who want, or would otherwise have children, are choosing not to for the greater good. But not all of us — and therein lies the…