logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2021
27m 19s

Choosing to be childfree

Bbc World Service
About this episode
<p>When a woman chooses not to have children, why is it still seen as a radical decision? Kim Chakanetsa talks to two women about their stories and the stigma associated with their choice to be childfree. Doreen Akiyo Yomoah is a writer and blogs at Childfree African. Born in Accra, Ghana, she has lived in the US, Japan and Senegal and she is currently bas ... Show More
Up next
Jul 6
Women and the stigma of Tourette’s
Tourette syndrome is a motor disorder that begins in childhood or adolescence. Characterized by movement tics and at least one vocal tic, it's often portrayed as unrestrained swearing. However, coprolalia only affects ten percent of people with Tourette’s. Datshiane Navanayagam t ... Show More
26m 28s
Jun 29
Play to learn
There has been a marked increase in enrolment in early childhood education globally, but access and approaches differ hugely around the world. What impact does quality early years education have on children’s future outcomes and why is ‘playing’ so pivotal in helping them prepare ... Show More
26m 27s
Jun 22
Helping women deal with trauma
Traumatic events can leave an enduring psychological impact. Datshiane Navanayagam talks to two psychologists about how they help women heal from trauma.Jane Abatoni Gatete heads the Rwanda Organization of Trauma Counsellors (ARCT- Ruhuka). She has over 25 years of expertise and ... Show More
26m 28s
Recommended Episodes
May 2024
Can I be childfree and still feel fulfilled? - with Laura Henshaw
<p>Whether it’s biological, circumstantial, financial, environmental, a result of trauma, or simply because you don’t want to, the reasons why people decide to be childfree are as diverse as the reasons why people decide to be parents. For many people, the decision to be childfre ... Show More
48m 57s
Jun 2024
Choosing to be child free
Yvonne was on a bus on a trip to Europe when she had a realisation. There’s more to life than having kids, she thought – I could travel the world. She made that decision at twenty, and now she’s 64 she’s never doubted her choice. She tells Namulanta about her relief at missing ou ... Show More
25m 28s
Sep 2024
SMNTY Classics: Childless by Choice
How do you know if you want children? Why are more and more women delaying pregnancy in the US? As the birthrate drops to a record low in America, Anney and Samantha discuss being childless by choice in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
27 m
May 2025
“I had 9 failed IVF attempts, now I’m happier without kids” - endometriosis, declining birth rates and what needs to change
In the start of our Future of Fertility series, we have guest Emma Kemsley on to chat about why she is childfree by choice. From thousands of failed IVF attempts, to severe endometriosis not taken seriously by doctors, Emma opens up about her journey through trying to have childr ... Show More
56m 18s
Feb 2023
Chelsea Handler Discusses Being Childless by Choice - Long Story Short
There are millions of women who don't want children, so why are they being shamed by society? Chelsea Handler tackles being childless by choice and why motherhood is not for everyone.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit po ... Show More
10m 26s
Feb 2023
Chelsea Handler Discusses Being Childless by Choice - Long Story Short
There are millions of women who don't want children, so why are they being shamed by society? Chelsea Handler tackles being childless by choice and why motherhood is not for everyone.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit po ... Show More
10m 27s
Jan 2023
Why I Got Permanently Sterilized At 28 (The Childfree Movement)
To kick off the new season, Greg and Joe speak to a woman who is part of the Childfree Movement. She never wants kids, sees them as a burden, and even got permanently sterilized at the age of 28. Stop throwing your money away. Cancel unwanted subscriptions – and manage your expen ... Show More
50m 48s
Jun 2024
What Life Is Like After You Decide Not To Have Kids
Subscribe to Mamamia If you're a girl or a woman who doesn't think she wants to have kids - where are your role models for what your life could look like?  Portrayals of happy mums are everywhere, but rarely do we see women who choose not to have children shown in a positive ligh ... Show More
49m 59s
Dec 2019
Dear Sugars Presents: Free To Be Childfree
<p>From our partners at WBUR, Endless Thread is a podcast featuring amazing stories found on Reddit. This story is about a growing movement that hits close to home. It's about the hundreds of thousands of people who are choosing to be childfree -- to never have kids. This choice ... Show More
42m 59s
Jun 2021
The Societal Taboos of Child-Free Lives, Parental Regret and Eschewing Motherhood
A growing number of adults are choosing to not become parents, a lifestyle described as “child-free.” Yet many people, especially women, say they feel judged by their families, friends — and even their own doctors — when they vocalize not wanting children. By the same token, some ... Show More
55m 44s