11 Comments
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Megan Gibbons's avatar

Beautifully put. Especially like the reframe of the current angst (and frankly blame) around women not wanting to have kids, to instead think about what is wrong with the world that we've created an atmosphere so unfriendly to mothers and children.

Abigail's avatar

“Fortunately there was a village. And they all understood that I was their child too. It’s the only way towards humanity. To view all children as our responsibility.”

Heavy on this! My sister and I spent a portion of our childhood in a women’s refuge with our mum. The care we received from other women (not just mothers) was indicative of our very human desire to care for one another. The world is heavily leaning towards individualism at the moment and we’re forgetting the power of community.

I don’t want to be a mother, but I yearn to care for my fellow human, especially the children being raised around me.

Thank you for considering all aspects of motherhood, and especially for acknowledging those who’ve exercised their right to choose a child-free life. 🫶🏼

noushting's avatar

As usual, you are 100% on the money. Respecting motherhood should also mean respecting the choice not to become one. Both decisions deserve the same level of dignity, not a side-eye and a ‘you’ll change your mind.'

Lucas Guzman's avatar

This made me want to chat more with my mom about how it was to raise us against all odds.

Hilary Jacobs Hendel's avatar

Love this!

Tiffy's avatar

Brilliantly put 👏🏼

Sarah Pridham's avatar

Another extraordinary piece of writing. I felt moved by it. The really this is how it is and this IS how humanity has been thwarted by some system that we have inherited and wasn't designed. I felt a sadness in the recognition of that and mixed in with that is the gratitude that you are able to articulate in such an extraordinary way! So grateful for that!

Lucy Rose's avatar

Loved reading this ❤️ thank you for sharing

Sophie Koranteng's avatar

Yes to all of this. So beautifully said