WE ARE CHILDFREE

I am 32 years old and a paediatric doctor.

The assumption is that because I’ve dedicated my life to children, I have to want to have my own. I don’t, I never have. In fact I wrote in my school books as young as 9 years old that I didn’t want children.

I absolutely love children, I just don’t want to raise them. In my career, it’s hard to be a good mother and an excellent doctor. I commend those that try, but I’ve seen the strain it takes on them. I’ve decided that’s not a life I want for myself. I have so many life and career aspirations, children are just not part of that.

I’ve done years of introspection and realised the only reason I would have children is because of a societal pressure, that’s not good enough. Raising a child is a huge commitment, and shouldn’t be entered into lightly. People are so uncomfortable when you voice this.

It’s time we allow women to choose and stop assuming that because we can bear children, we want to. Being a mother is not the only way you can leave a lasting impact on this world. I’m so grateful for a community that supports this and allows us to have a voice.