Childfree by Choice

ABSTRACT

In this article, the author blends research, queer theory, clinical material, and anecdotal evidence to explore the topic of voluntary childlessness—particularly for women—and the stigma associated with it. Her aim is fourfold: (a) to shine a brighter light on those who are childfree by choice—a population that, to date, has received inadequate attention in psychoanalysis; (b) to expose the stigmatization of a group that falls outside the margins of normativity in a society that is pronatalist (one that encourages increasing birthrates); (c) to propose a move away from rigid categories and, instead, consider childlessness within a queer context; and (d) to raise awareness among psychoanalysts and help bridge a gap in the literature.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rebecca Harrington

Rebecca Harrington, LCSW, is in full-time private practice in New York City treating adolescents and adults. She is currently completing her doctorate at the Silver School of Social Work at New York University and is on faculty at the Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Study Center (PPSC), where she is a training analyst and supervisor.