Dear J.D. Vance, Childless Women Who Love Cats Are Also Valuable Members of Society

The decision to have children is a deeply personal one, influenced by a myriad of factors such as financial stability, personal desires, and societal expectations. In a recent article, a 36-year-old woman shares her journey of choosing to delay parenthood and the societal pressures she faced as a result.

Growing up in a conservative Evangelical environment, the woman was taught that motherhood was a woman’s highest calling, second only to marriage. However, upon leaving the church, she realized that she wanted more out of life than just being a mother. She built a life of her own, prioritizing her independence and personal fulfillment. This decision to delay parenthood was not rooted in fear of pregnancy or birth, but rather in a desire to live life on her own terms.

As she and her husband contemplate the idea of having children now, she reflects on the criticism and judgment she has faced for not conforming to societal norms. The woman highlights the comments made by political figures like J.D. Vance, who have criticized childless individuals, particularly women, for not having a „stake“ in the future of the country. This rhetoric, she argues, is not only divisive but also alienating to a significant portion of the population who have chosen not to have children for various reasons.

The article delves into the broader issue of misogyny within conservative circles, where women are often judged based on their reproductive choices. The woman emphasizes that not everyone desires to have children, and scolding or shaming them for their decision is counterproductive. She points out that many individuals choose to delay or forgo parenthood due to career aspirations, financial constraints, or simply a lack of desire to have children.

The article also touches on the extreme views held by some on the far right, who advocate for mandatory motherhood and seek to control women’s reproductive rights. The woman highlights the importance of autonomy and choice in reproductive decisions, emphasizing that motherhood should be a personal choice, not a societal obligation.

In conclusion, the woman asserts that everyone, regardless of whether they have children or not, has a stake in shaping the future of the country. She challenges the narrow and exclusionary views espoused by some on the right, advocating for a more inclusive and compassionate society where individuals are free to make their own choices without fear of judgment or coercion. Ultimately, she emphasizes that creating a future worth living in is a collective responsibility that transcends individual reproductive choices.