Introduction

In this chapter, I chart my own life journey and consider the lived experiences of 12 Irish women who deliberately or inadvertently decided not to have children. That decision is influenced by a complex range of inter-related factors relative to their childhoods and upbringing, their relationships, their careers and their personal ambitions. The research has an Irish focus, given the author's familiarity with the Irish landscape. However, the chapter also includes a review of the international literature, which provides useful and valuable insights into the Irish context given that it focuses on western democracies, which have followed broadly similar trajectories in terms of the expansion of women's rights and women's choices around control of their bodies and their reproductive rights, access to gender-equitable education and opportunities for sustainable employment. This chapter also reflects some of the significant findings from my recently published PhD research, which is referenced throughout (Cronin, 2021).

Self-reflection

My journey to non-motherhood has been straightforward and unencumbered, given that I never deliberated about whether or not I would have children; I always knew that it was not something I wanted to pursue. From as far back as I can remember, children never featured in the life I imagined for myself, and non-motherhood to me is as natural as motherhood is to other women. I have never experienced the maternal instinct that some women speak of, nor have I encountered any regrets. I am fulfilled in every aspect of life, through my relationship with my partner (who has four beautiful children, who range in age from 28 to 16), the wonderful relationships I share with my parents, extended family and friends, and through my work as an academic. I cherish the fact that my childfree identity has been fully embraced by the significant people in my life.

Methodology

The methodology and design for this research was informed by a feminist perspective, which focuses on the experiences of women, where the intention is to ‘make women visible, raise their consciousness and empower them’ (Holloway and Wheeler, 2013, p 258). The paper draws on qualitative semi-structured interviews with 12 Irish women who provide reflective biographical accounts of their reasons for choosing to be childless, including the motives that influenced their decision and the challenges they encounter as consequence of pursuing a childfree identity.