I’m in my early 40s now and it is unlikely (but not impossible) to fall pregnant. I am charting my ovulation temperatures and being really careful to make sure it does not happen.

I never felt a desire to be a mother, and always assumed it would kick in one day by magic; I’m still waiting for this mysterious urge or ‘biological clock’ ticking but it’s not happening and it never will. I can’t think of a single reason for me to have a child. I’m not in a very luxurious financial situation, I lack a stable extended family support system, my bf is not interested in being a parent and we are both over 40, with schizophrenia in his family (his elder brother is a paranoid schizophrenic who has never had a job, is on benefits, and has no compunction propagating HIS genes, 8 times now!) The bottom line is that I would be of more use to society if I devoted my time, money and energies to other causes, rather than ensuring my genetic lineage continues. There is this overpopulation/overconsumerism problem that we’re having so it’s not like the world needs me to breed.

Parenthood is an enormous responsibility and not everyone is cut out for it. The sad fact is that so many children are born into a life of poverty, abuse, neglect etc. It’s heartbreaking. I hope that one day every single child who is born will have all the love and attention he/she needs. Wouldn’t it be a better world if every child was loved and cared for?

I will leave this goal up until I reach menopause. That may be a while away but I’ve come to realize this is one of the most important things I’m doing, or not doing with my life and I think it’s important that everyone realizes it’s a choice and you don’t have to have children just because it’s the done thing. That was how I used to think, but not any more.