In a message dated 97-07-30 13:53:07 EDT, hwhipple@script.lib.indiana.edu
(Heather Whipple) writes:
<< The choice to not have children is as much a sacrifice of possibilities as
the choice to have them--so why should one choice be considered more
selfish than the other? Even for the "Tinks" in Melanie's story. How
would they be less selfish if they added a child to all their belongings
and extravagancies? If they *do not want children*, why is it selfish not
to have them?
*************** ********************
Heather Whipple Humanities Librarian
hwhipple@script.lib.indiana.edu Swarthmore College
>>
I too have had difficulty in understanding how it could be considered selfish
to choose not to have children. Your discussion shines a light where it was
needed. I could never come up with a reason to have a child..except to see
what kind of job I could do raising it and that did not seem like a good
enough reason. I have asked a good many people why they chose to have
children and so far the answers are less than adequate ( the worst among
them...."so there would be someone to take care of me when I get old "). I
would agree that it is a hugh sacrifice to raise children and bless those
that choose to do so, but bless those that choose not to as well...the planet
really doesn't need the strain.
AJ
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