Births up – no, down!: politics of fertility anxiety

My response to a blog this week in the Huffington Post about the U.S. birth rate and pressure being put on women about motherhood: Hi Elizabeth—thanks for deciphering the birth rate statistics, and for bringing to light the pressure put on women to have children NOW.

I often hear from fellow women in their early 30's that, "I better start now." Not I *want* to start now, but almost that they are giving in. You know I'm not getting any younger (at 32) and my biological clock is ticking (for another decade), so I guess now is a good time. You guess?

Many of us, myself included, are happy with where we are in our lives right now. There is a fear around regretting not having kids... and perhaps not knowing that you regret it until after it's too late. Too late, the all important statement that makes people decide NOW despite not being sure.

It sometimes feels taboo to mention in mixed company (especially friends who are pregnant or mothers) that you aren't sure if it's right for you. To understand what's holding many of us back from making a decision, I designed a six-week series for women to air their concerns in a supportive environment. If you know someone interested, I hope you'll pass along this information.

Keep up the great work!