9 Lives | Chapter 4 | Part 2: Choices in Context

This article is part of a weekly series adapted from our latest book, "The 9 Lives of Woman," by our founder, Christine Marie Mason. 

As we stand at the midpoint of the 21st century, the choices surrounding childbearing are more complex and multifaceted than ever before. For a 30-year-old woman in 2025, the decision to have children is not merely a personal one; it is a choice that echoes within broader global trends and philosophical considerations about our species' future. The intersection of individual autonomy, societal norms, and ecological pressures invites a deeper reflection on how our reproductive choices align with the shifting dynamics of human existence on this planet.

Historically, childbearing was often seen as a natural and expected part of life, particularly for women. Societal norms, limited access to contraception, and economic structures reinforced the idea that motherhood was an inevitable chapter in a woman’s life. In the mid-20th century, the global population grew rapidly, driven by high birth rates and declining mortality due to medical and technological advancements. This expansion, characterized by the post-war baby boom, represented an era where having multiple children was the norm, and individual choices about reproduction were constrained by external pressures and limited alternatives.

In contrast, the landscape of 2025 presents a vastly different set of conditions. Advances in reproductive technology, greater access to education and career opportunities, and the decoupling of women’s identity from motherhood have expanded the realm of choices available. Today, the decision to have children—or not—is deeply personal, shaped by a broader array of factors including individual aspirations, economic considerations, and an evolving understanding of what constitutes a fulfilling life. According to a 2020 Pew Research Center survey, economic concerns and the cost of raising children are significant reasons why many adults choose not to have children, reflecting a shift from the historical necessity of parenthood to a more nuanced evaluation of what it means to thrive.

This expansion of choice reflects a significant shift in societal values. Women are no longer bound by the same expectations or limitations; instead, they are empowered to make decisions that align with their personal values and life goals. Yet, this newfound autonomy also brings with it a sense of responsibility, as the implications of these choices extend beyond the individual to the collective human experience.

The Global Context: A Collective Response to Overpopulation

The decline in global birth rates and the slowdown of population growth are not merely demographic trends; they represent a deeper, perhaps unconscious, species-level response to the challenges we face. Over the past few decades, concerns about overpopulation, environmental degradation, and the sustainability of human life on Earth have become increasingly prominent. For instance, environmental factors such as exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, air pollution, and heavy metals have been linked to declining fertility rates globally, highlighting the complex interplay between our environment and reproductive health.

The impacts of climate change, resource scarcity, and ecological imbalance are pressing reminders that our planet has limits. Within this context, declining fertility rates can be viewed as a natural, adaptive response—an attempt by humanity to realign itself with the carrying capacity of our environment. A Morning Consult survey found that concerns about climate change and environmental impact are among the reasons some adults cite for choosing not to have children, suggesting that personal reproductive choices are increasingly informed by broader ecological considerations.

From this perspective, the choice to delay, limit, or forego childbearing is not just a personal decision but also a philosophical statement about our relationship with the planet and with each other. It reflects a growing awareness of the interconnectedness of our actions and the finite nature of Earth’s resources. This shift in reproductive behavior can be seen as part of a broader movement towards sustainability, where individual choices contribute to a collective effort to preserve the planet for future generations.

In this light, the declining birth rates in many parts of the world are not simply a reflection of changing personal priorities but a manifestation of a deeper, species-wide adaptation. It is as if humanity, through countless individual decisions, is responding to the call for balance and restraint. This phenomenon challenges traditional notions of progress and growth, inviting us to rethink what it means to thrive as a species in the Anthropocene.

The Philosophy of Autonomy and Responsibility

At the heart of this shift lies the philosophical tension between autonomy and responsibility. On one hand, the freedom to choose whether to have children is a testament to the value of individual autonomy. It represents a break from historical constraints and an affirmation of the right to self-determination. On the other hand, these choices are inextricably linked to broader ethical and existential questions: What is our responsibility to future generations? How do our personal decisions impact the collective well-being of humanity and the planet?

This tension invites a reevaluation of the ethics of reproduction in an era of global interconnectedness. As individuals, we are faced with the challenge of navigating personal desires within the context of larger ecological and social considerations. The decision to have children is no longer just about personal fulfillment or cultural tradition; it is also about contributing to a sustainable future, balancing the needs of the present with the uncertainties of what lies ahead.

Philosophically, this brings us to a critical juncture: the need to reconcile personal freedom with collective responsibility. It challenges us to think beyond individualism and consider our place within the larger web of life. The choice to have children, delay, or abstain is a reflection of our values, our hopes, and our fears. It is a deeply personal decision that carries profound implications for the collective human story.

A Broader Understanding of Human Flourishing

Ultimately, the evolving landscape of childbearing in 2025 invites a broader understanding of what it means to flourish as human beings. It challenges the traditional metrics of success—economic growth, population expansion, and material wealth—and encourages a more holistic view of well-being. This perspective emphasizes the quality of life, the sustainability of our actions, and the health of our communities and ecosystems.

In this context, the choice to have fewer children, or none at all, can be seen as part of a reimagining of human purpose. It is an affirmation that a meaningful life does not solely hinge on reproduction but can be fulfilled through various forms of contribution, connection, and creativity. As we navigate this new era, our choices around childbearing will continue to reflect our evolving understanding of what it means to live well in a changing world.

As you consider your own path, know that your decisions are part of a larger narrative that is reshaping humanity’s future. Whether you choose to have children, delay, or pursue other forms of fulfillment, your choices are a reflection of the complex interplay between personal autonomy and the collective needs of our species. In this sense, your journey is not just your own; it is a vital thread in the ongoing tapestry of human life, woven into the fabric of a world in flux.

In choosing, we not only define our own lives but also contribute to the larger story of humanity’s adaptation and resilience. As we collectively seek balance in an uncertain future, each decision, each path taken, becomes part of the profound philosophical journey of what it means to be human in the 21st century.

If You Choose, Let It Be from Joy and Wonder: The Privilege of Creating New Life

If you do choose to bring a child into this world, may it be a decision rooted not in societal pressure or fear of missing out but in a profound sense of joy and wonder at the privilege of nurturing new life. To choose parenthood is to engage in one of the most profound acts of creation and connection. It is an opportunity to shape the future, to pass on values, wisdom, and love. It is a commitment to stewardship—not only of a new human being but of the world they will inherit.

May your choice be inspired by a deep reverence for the unfolding of life and a recognition of the sacredness of this act. Bringing a child into the world is more than a biological process; it is a conscious participation in the ongoing story of humanity. It is an invitation to contribute to the tapestry of human experience, to nurture curiosity, kindness, and resilience in the next generation. In choosing to bear a child, you are saying yes to the future, despite its uncertainties, and embracing the profound mystery of life with open arms.

Every new life is a unique spark of potential, carrying the possibility to change the world in small or significant ways. Parenthood is an act of love that transcends the self. It is a courageous choice to nurture and protect, to guide and learn alongside another human being. It invites you to engage deeply with life’s cycles, to witness the world anew through a child’s eyes, and to find meaning in the everyday moments that define the human experience. In choosing parenthood, you are not only embracing the gift of life but also contributing to the legacy of humanity’s ongoing quest for connection, meaning, and understanding.

And if, in your reflection, you decide that your path lies elsewhere—that your contribution will take a different form—may that choice, too, be honored and celebrated. For in every decision lies the potential to shape the world, to offer your unique gifts, and to live a life that is true to your deepest calling. Whether through parenthood or other means, your role in the human story is significant, and your choices resonate far beyond the immediate, touching the fabric of our shared existence. Whatever path you choose, it is part of the larger dance of life that connects us all.