The simple answer is yes. You’d think in the 21st Century and with the rise of feminism this wouldn’t be an issue. Yet, it is. The other day I noticed the uproar when Karen Lucas, popularly known as Kaz, stated on her social media page that she didn’t want any children. The 33-year-old sultry personality is very vocal about women’s sexuality and her latest statement has people feeling some type of way. But really, why is it that big of a deal and why are more women choosing not to have children?
Societal Assumption
In most households, when you reach a certain age, you’re expected to get married and have children. God forbid, you reach 30 without having all these, you won’t hear the end of it from your mother and aunts. Child-free women are viewed as strange in most African homes. Back in the day, a childless woman was like a taboo. Nothing much has changed.
Lack Of Opportunity
Speaking of tradition, some women want to raise their children in a complete family which includes a mother, a father and children. However, it is getting more difficult to find suitable partners to make a family with.
Additionally, others have been scarred by broken families that it makes it hard for them to be optimistic about relationships and families. So, these women would rather wait or remain child-free.
Lifestyle Choice
Women are more career-oriented than ever. They want to build a legacy just like their male counterparts and as much as we don’t want to admit it, children slow down this process. Some women are willing to sacrifice the joy of being a mother for the sake of their careers.
Sometimes, it’s not even about a career. As a vegan and minimalist, Jenny Mustard, a YouTube sensation, is conscious of the environmental impact of procreating and she cites this as one of her reasons for not wanting children.
Bad Economy
It’s obvious that the economy is not the way it was 20 years ago. The cost of living has risen exponentially and it’s getting harder for people to survive, let alone add more children to the equation. Many people are struggling to pay heavy debts, afford a house and other financial burdens. For them, having children seems like a bad financial decision.
Free Will
Last time I checked freedom of choice was still a fundamental right. That means choosing what is best for yourself. For the first time in human history, women truly have freedom. It is a step in the right direction for someone to openly come out and say she doesn’t want children.
Medical Reasons
I watch this YouTube channel of former escort turned YouTube star, Trisha Paytas, who shares candidly about her life. In this one episode, she talks about wanting to be a mum but can’t because of medical reasons. Other iconic women like Oprah and Dolly Parton have also shared their fertility problems.
Infertility can be caused by a number of reasons like fibroids, fallopian tube damage and untreated STIs. Therefore, it is important to have regular checkups with your gynaecologist to avoid irreversible damage.
Women have the right to decide whether or not they want children and nobody should shame them if they don’t.
Speaking about parenting, You Don’t Have To Give Birth To Be A Mother
6 Ways To Support Your Single Friends (And Family) Throughout The Years
Featured image from fourcloverlife.com
