When I submitted last week's column on motherhood, neither I nor the Post expected the flood of outraged letters that ensued. Secondly, believe me, every woman who decides not to have children has thought about every aspect of the issue. When you are asked to justify your life decisions to total strangers, you know you'd better have thought out the issue. All the reasons given by the mothers for motherhood quoted in the article seem quite selfish. The main theme is that being a mom makes you a better person.
Therapy is cheaper, and just as effective.
The friend who decided not to have children and who inspired the article is also a relative whom I love dearly and have known all her life. She is an exceptionally talented, joyful, giving and creative person. I admit that to think of her not having children pains me. I want to see her kids. These are the feelings that prompted the column.