I made the choice to be childless. I do love children and sometimes I am sad I don’t have them, but I also value other things. I am content with my life. I am not less of a person or a woman because of my choices.

Why is it that men who are single or childless are not looked down on, but women in the same position are? Yet in many ways I believe women who make this choice are happier.

I have been called selfish for my choice, but I have known women who have children because they don’t want to be alone or they want a child for the security it can give them — which I think is quite selfish. No one should be used for another’s comfort. A child is an individual, not property.

As a feminist, I want all choices to be valued. The choice to marry or have children, or the choice not to.