The pressure for a 20-something woman to get married and have kids is real! And God forbid you’ve crossed over into your 30s; you’re considered somewhat damaged goods in the ‘market’ for eligible spinsters. Anyway, we’ll leave the marriage pressure talk for another day and cut right to the part where women are also bombarded with questions about when we’re starting a family and why it’s taking so long to have a baby.
Image credit: Balaji Motion Pictures
Somehow, society thinks it’s normal to comment on and give advice to women about these things that should ideally be personal. There’s a significant amount of pressure from people (and this goes beyond one’s immediate family, mind you!) who accuse us of being “selfish” for not having children, or who ask them, rather patronizingly, who will look after them when they are older.
Image credit: Balaji Motion Pictures
Today, the modern, independent woman knows her mind. She knows what she wants from life and doesn’t mould herself into becoming what others expect of her. She’s her own person, who understands her right to choose when she wants to embrace marriage or motherhood. If you relate so far, we’ve listed 5 great reasons to stop asking women about pregnancy. Don’t forget to share it with the world!
1. Not every woman wants kids and that’s alright
Image credit: Balaji Motion Pictures
Assuming that a person should or would (or even could) conceive children based on their gender is extremely intrusive and presumptuous. There are millions of humans that do not want to have children and guess what? You don’t get to tell them otherwise! Maybe they just don’t see it as part of their journey and that’s okay. This doesn’t take away from your experience/s in any way… so live and let live!
2. What another person does with their body is really not your business
Image credit: Balaji Motion Pictures
It’s almost 2021! Women are steadily becoming stronger, independent and finding a greater need for equality. We are no longer accepting the notion that we must be small, silent and obey whatever we’re told to do without questioning. It has never been more important for us to take control of our reproductive rights and make our own choices for our bodies. What another human does with their body is none of your business.
3. Women aren’t ticking timebombs who are born to produce babies
Image credit: Balaji Motion Pictures
What you may consider a ‘friendly’ enquiry about the passing of time and with it the inevitability of declining fertility probably isn’t a good starter for a supportive conversation. Ever considered that your family member or friend is already well-informed about this ‘ticking’ clock … and maybe the reason why she doesn’t want a child currently is because of concerns like her relationship with her partner, their financial situation or her career is priority?
4. It could be psychological
Image credit: Balaji Motion Pictures
Some women may have experienced a highly traumatic event in their childhoods, which may have either scarred them mentally or steered them away from being mothers. Some could have possibly been violated in such a way, they may be fearful that they won’t be able to protect the innocence of a child. The reasons could be umpteen and there’s just one takeaway – it’s their choice!
Lead Image credit: Balaji Motion Pictures
