Pressure Tactics: "You Owe [X] a Child"

 

One of the ways people often apply pressure to childfree people — especially women — is by telling them they "owe" it to someone or something to reproduce. 

"You owe it to your parents to give them grandchildren" is a popular one, which can take on an additional layer if one is an only child. Another common one is some variation on "you owe it to society" or "your culture" or "the human race."

Regardless of the particular frame, the general sentiment is the same: You have an obligation to other people to have a child or children, and to remain childfree is to shirk that duty.

Nope. You don't owe reproduction and/or parenting to anyone else. It's entirely your decision, for your reasons alone. The end.

Have a nice day!

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