The document discusses the changing landscape of reproductive choices and family structures over time, moving from a historical lack of choices for women to greater acceptance of different options today. It notes both the challenges and rewards of parenting children, as well as important considerations around conceiving, bearing, adopting or fostering a child. Overall, the document suggests there are valid reasons both for and against having children, so the right time is different for every individual or couple.

2. • Little to no choice for
women…
• Lack of effective
birth control…
• All fertile women had
babies…
• Rigid societal
expectations…

3. • More choices…
• Access to birth control…
• Legal abortion…
• Reproductive
technologies…
• Adoption…
• Greater acceptance of
women who do not have
or want children…
• Greater acceptance of
single women, same sex
couples, and other non-
traditional families who
want to conceive or adopt
children…

4. • Grow and change
together…
• Share activities and
memories that are
meaningful…
• Children are challenging
and inspiring…
• Children give
unconditional love…

5. • Added responsibility…
• Complicated schedules…
• Your needs vs. needs of
children…
• Less personal freedom…
• Added expenses…
• Can be stressful at times…

6. • Conceiving and
bearing a child
• Adoption
• Fostering a child

7.  Meet with your
healthcare provider…
 “Women know more
about preventing
pregnancy than
achieving it”
 Important:
immunizations,
prenatal care,
support, family
history
“BEARING” “CONCEIVING”

8.  Reasons: unable to
conceive, medical Things to Consider….
Contact with birth
condition making •
parents
pregnancy or • Will child resemble
childbirth unsafe, you or be of another
concern for children race
in need of loving • Newborn vs. older
child
families….
• Welcoming a child
with emotional or
physical disabilities
• Emotional journey
• Lengthy process
• Need support

9.  Avoiding a conscious decision: “Let nature
decide”
 Peer pressure: Parents wanting
grandchildren, friends having children
 Letting partner decide for you: either wants
children or does not
 Thinking partner will change: “Having kids
will improve my relationship”
 Worrying you won’t be a good parent: Discuss
fears with friends, family, or counselor

10. (Pg. 352) Our Bodies, Ourselves – In
reference to children…“There are enough
reasons to have them as there are to not
have them.”
So…if there are as many reasons to have
children as there are not to have them,
how do you know when the “right” time is
to have them? Or is there ever a “right”
time?