Introducing a mini-series on the history of in vitro fertilization (IVF), the fertility industry, and the social and legal implications surrounding family planning in 2025.
I have also grappled with questions of motherhood. You may really enjoy the book “Without Children” by historian and professor, Peggy Heffington. She examines a variety of reasons women have not had children over history, including lack of community, political unrest/war, and simply choosing a different life. And now there’s climate change.
As for society’s expectations… I’ve lived in the US and the EU. Not much is progressive about the US in comparison to the EU, including the societal pressures around motherhood. In my experience, it’s normal for women to wait to have children till their 30s, even early 40s. I wonder now if it’s also due to the high level of safety for mothers in the EU compared to the US (statistically, last time I checked, I’d never want to give birth in the US if the EU is an option).
I have also grappled with questions of motherhood. You may really enjoy the book “Without Children” by historian and professor, Peggy Heffington. She examines a variety of reasons women have not had children over history, including lack of community, political unrest/war, and simply choosing a different life. And now there’s climate change.
As for society’s expectations… I’ve lived in the US and the EU. Not much is progressive about the US in comparison to the EU, including the societal pressures around motherhood. In my experience, it’s normal for women to wait to have children till their 30s, even early 40s. I wonder now if it’s also due to the high level of safety for mothers in the EU compared to the US (statistically, last time I checked, I’d never want to give birth in the US if the EU is an option).
Good luck with this series! I look forward to it.