Why it’s Easier Than Ever For Solo Women to Have Children
Did you know that more women than ever are choosing to become single parents? The number of women without a partner seeking fertility treatment has risen considerably in recent years, with single women responsible for one in six of all fertility treatments in the UK.
And that’s no coincidence. A number of factors have made having and raising a child individually much easier than it was in the past. In this post, we’ll outline some of the key reasons why the number of women making this decision continues to rise.
The Workplace is More Accommodating
There are practical realities to raising a child by yourself that can’t be ignored. For instance, the matter of work. With the cost of raising a baby higher than ever, it’s vital that a parent has a good source of income. Alas, historically, that usually meant having to work long hours in an office.
Today, things are different. While not perfectly aligned with male earnings, women are earning more money than they did in the past, and that has brought a new level of independence that opens up the possibility for a woman to have a child on their own.
That has been matched by an increase in flexible working conditions. A single parent may struggle if they have to be in the office five days a week, but through hybrid working models (or even fully remote work), they’re able to meet the needs of their child and their professional responsibilities.
Reproductive Technology Is Better Than Ever
For a long time, women who wanted to have children of their own only had one option, and that was to have a baby with a male partner.
But that’s no longer the case. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) has progressed significantly over the past couple of decades, with higher success rates than ever before. The internet, too, has made it easier for women to pursue these treatments. With little more than their device, potential solo parents can research their options, view a sperm donor catalogue, connect with other women who have been through the same process, and make appointments. All this combines to make having a baby by yourself more straightforward and less mystifying than ever.
Society Has Evolved
It wasn’t so long ago that single motherhood was viewed with intense stigma. Indeed, you only have to go back to the 1960s to find a society that casts shame and judgment on female parents without a male partner. In the past few decades, however, the stigma surrounding single motherhood has begun to vanish. There’s also a lot more help and support available, including via online forums and community groups.
It Can Be Liberating
Finally, one of the reasons there’s been such a rise in women choosing to be single mothers is that it is empowering. In the past, becoming a parent relied on a man and a woman. Today, women not only have the option of having a baby on their own, but they’re showing that they can do a terrific job.
This is a collaborative post.
