Actually, when information about wars, famines, pesticide in the water supply, the Western empire constantly expanding into lands to feed the obese Americans' addiction to meat etc etc, yet despite those warning signs of harm being done on a planetary level, there are still people choosing to have children?

I chose not to, aged 16 when I learnt about DDT in breast milk of mothers. I decided it was irresponsible to bring more life into the world, when the children already here, are starving. The mentality that says, 'I'm gonna disregard all that for the pleasure of having a part of me out there to smile back at me', is the irresponsible and selfish choice.

But even women in the Western world with the privilege of easily available contraception, know that the best chance of gaining status, a stable relationship and adult validation is to have a child or two . Not saying that was the motivation of the author, but all the mothers I know, exult in their power over the child and the God-like authority it gives them. It’s their emotional, financial and ontological insurance plan, birth giving them a reason to be, and making their living a lot easier.