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The Why Factor: Childlessness

Childlessness

10/07/2017 GMT

BBC World Service - The Why Factor, Childlessness

Why do some people choose to remain childless?

Why do some people risk social stigma by deciding not to have children?

With increasing numbers of Westerners opting to have smaller families, some go one step further and decide to have no children at all. As a result they often face suspicion, abuse even, for being selfish or materialistic. Women, in particular, who decide to go childless, experience the full force of this near-universal stigma. Mary-Ann Ochota speaks to people who’ve made this often lonely decision. 

Presenter: Mary-Ann Ochota
Producer: Rose de Larrabeiti  

(Photo: Empty old swings, Credit: Chailuk Chalathai/Shutterstock)

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