I decided long ago that having a child is just not something I wish to do. I’ve never wavered from this choice. And I have never received so much unwarranted judgement for a seriously personal decision.

It’s fascinating how people seem to take this news, as if it in any way, shape, or form, impacts their own life. Responses range from shock, disbelief, amusement and confusion. Confusion is always my favorite — “Wait what?”, “Isn’t that like your job?”, “It’s what you were put on this Earth for”.

I get these types of reactions from men, but even harsher judgement from women. “Don’t you want to be a mother?!”. Uh, no, I don’t! Hence the conversation.

How many times do I have to hear “There is no love like the love for a child”. Well I wouldn’t know, but I’m doing just fine with my love for self, travel, independence, shopping, exploring, etcetera. 

Or then there’s always “You’ll change your mind”. Yes, you clearly know me, my character, my personality, my drive, my goals and aspirations so well that you can predict my future decisions.

Now, you may be asking yourself how I get into these conversations. Why bring it up, if I don’t want to hear judgements from others? Well, apparently in our society, if you’re a woman in mid-20’s to mid-30’s and you don’t have children, people find it necessary to question why. They just ask.

To exacerbate that, I’ve mentioned before that I was married, and I was also a military spouse. So, take that mid-20’s range and lower it to early-20’s, or even late teens. I was a unicorn in the military spouse bubble. This is not an exaggeration in the least.

I married at a very young age, and was with my ex-husband for a little over seven years. From the second we said “I do”, we would be asked when we we’re going to have children. It was never an if, always when.

We were the ONLY couple among our circle of friends that did not have children. Every group gathering, we would be interrogated. “When are you going to start planning?” “When will you have your first?” — First?? You mean there has to be more than one?? Humorously, all this dialogue was going on while 15 screaming, crying, pooping, sticky, dirty children were rampaging around us. Was this suppose to be convincing?

Conversation on my decision would ensue and judgements would be made. It would always end with “well, you will change your mind”. I eventually just stopped going to these group gatherings, as I was always the odd one out. I find myself feeling odd a lot of the time. I don’t always fall into the conventional scheme of womanhood and I don’t always follow the gender normative decisions. When I’m around large groups of women that fit the mold, I feel very alienated, I don’t relate, and this topic in particular seems to further that divide.

Yes, from the biological standpoint I understand my purpose: the female is the vessel for fetuses. Thus, reproduction and survival of the species is genetically encoded. Apparently, something went wrong in my coding, for I’m willing and able to override this directive.

Luckily, for outliers like me, civilizations were constructed, leading to conventional societies, wherein this society, I can make decisions for myself. And this is one. And luckier more, I live in a time where medical advancements give me options.

I’ve been on several types of birth control, starting with the pill — from low estrogen, to high estrogen, to progesterone only variations. I’ve also had the arm implant Nexplanon, and the vaginal ring Nuvaring, all of which have been terrible experiences. I do not enjoy the side effects and risks that come along with the many common forms of birth control available, which are confirmed through numerous studies.

A few years ago I presented my decision to my physician and asked for options in pursuing more permanent forms of birth control, specifically ones that result in a discontinuation of the menstrual cycle. I’m not a woman who finds power, femininity, or any deeper meaning in my monthly flow. It is a shedding of the inner lining of the uterus and nothing more to me. It is inconvenient, it is uncomfortable, it is physically and mentally draining, it is painful, and it is wholly unnecessary for me to endure as I do not wish to reproduce. The end my menstrual cycle leaves me with fewer and more drastic options in permanent birth control. Even the conversation alone resulted in my prior physician to refuse allowing me to pursue these options. She rattled off a list of reasons: I am too young, I will change my mind, it is unethical to let me decide this, there are too many risks in the options I want to choose.

So, what are these options?

Essure is a spring like device that is placed into the Fallopian tubes. The irritation of the device causes the tubes to scar, effectively blocking them. It is a non-invasive procedure that is inserted vaginally and threaded into the Fallopian tubes. Then there is tubal ligation, more commonly referred to as tube tying. It is a minimally invasive surgery, that can be done through a laparoscopic procedure. The surgeon locates the Fallopian tube, a section of the tube is tied off, and the section between the knot is removed.

Both procedures are irreversible and therefore, you should be quite sure of your commitment to not having children, or any more children. Also, both options do not affect the menstrual cycle, so monthly periods would continue.

Because of that, I’m also pursuing an endometrial ablation. This is a procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus, by cauterization. This is usually used in treatment for severe uterine hemorrhage, i.e. heavy bleeding. I’m trying to pursue this procedure in combination with tubal ligation, as ablation is not a form of birth control itself.

Another option I’ve inquired about is a partial hysterectomy. This type of hysterectomy consists of a removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and cervix, but leaves the ovaries intact. A total hysterectomy including ovaries results in menopause.

I was 25 when I first pursued this and was turned away by my physician. I’m now 27 and still pursuing these options and have found a new physician who is more understanding. She has officially scheduled my consultation with a surgeon, but again I have hoops to jump through.

The surgeon might ultimately decide it’s unethical to perform this surgery. Unethical in the fact that there are always inherent risks with surgery, and that if the surgery is not of medical necessity, the risks are not worth risking. I believe if I find the right surgeon, ultimately the decision and the weight of the risks should lie with me. I’ve done my research for two years, I’m a conscious informed adult, and I still wish to go through with this.

The surgeon also has every right to deem it unethical for personal beliefs. And yet another hoop is insurance coverage. Because this is not a medically necessary procedure, coverage is unlikely (tubal ligation on its own, is usually covered by medical insurances). My surgery consultation is in two months and I fully intend to follow up with a Part II, to this post, as to the results of that consult.

Before anyone flies off the handle, let me say this. I am not denying the importance of motherhood. I’m not saying anything to slight it, my opinion is quite the opposite.

The things that mothers go through — from birth to every second after that — is magnificently terrifyingly heroic. I respect it. It takes a certain kind of woman. It is terrifying, it is honorable, it is sacrifice, it is beautiful, and it is selfless. I respect parenthood and especially those who do it well. I also don’t hold any negative judgements over women who decide to be stay-at-home moms.

All in all, I simply know myself well enough to know that motherhood is not for me. And that should be okay. It should not be judged by anyone. I also understand that one day I could change my mind. That is a risk that I have to accept and would not presume to say would never happen. It is a possibility, and I would have to live with my decision and deal with the regret. 

If you are a woman with similar ambitions as myself, you are not alone, you shouldn’t be judged, and there are options available for you to explore. Stay tuned!

Check out the vlog documenting my surgery.