Love Letter to Childless Women

Dear Childless Woman,

You are enough. You are complete. You are equal to other women who have given birth to a child. Do not let anyone make you think otherwise.

That you have decided not to have a child does not mean that you are selfish or mean. It does not mean that something is psychologically wrong with you. It does not mean you are incapable of taking care of a child or that you don't like children. I know some wonderful women who are great at the role of "mothering" and have never given birth to a child. These women are exceptional aunts and godmothers.

No one but you has the right to decide whether you should have a child. I don't know about you, but I am tired of hearing that it isn't too late for a woman in her mid to late 40s to have a child. I sometimes wonder if these people ever stopped to think that maybe some of these women have had no children because of a medical impediment (known or unknown). Some of these women have thought or dreamt about having a child but never found the right partner. Not every single woman who would like to have a child is desirous of being a single mother. And that is okay. And if you are being told it isn't okay, ignore those views.

I am also tired of hearing the names of women who have given birth in their mid to late 40s or early 50s. Not everyone's story has to be similar. That you are woman does not mean that you should want to have a child. Being fertile doesn't mean that you should definitely have a child.

Stop living your life based on a script written by others. Do not allow anyone to pressure you into having a child just because it is "the right thing to do because you are are woman". Also, do not allow anyone to make you feel guilty for not wanting or for not having a child.

You are enough and you are complete, just as you are.

Regards,

A Happy, Childless Woman