The Maternity Project

The following are comments on maternity and fertility submitted to this project.

I would love to have another child in the next few years, if circumstances are right. I have two daughters, five and seven years. My experiences with them are why I would relish having a third. Can't imagine not being able to have children. [If I became pregnant unexpectedly] I would be thrilled and scared. Is there enough of me to go around? Laura, 40.

My husband and I are planning to have children. I believe in the next five years. (I have not considered not being able to have children), yet I do love the idea of adopting. (If I became pregnant unexpectedly), we would embrace the happiness. : ) Angie, 27.

At one point in my life, I knew that I would love to give birth to a child. A person that would be created, formed and developed from my genes, inheritance and ethnic background, as well as from the biological father. At certain times this idea was more significant and important to me than other decisions I had to make and deal with. But it never happened. Nevertheless, when I (we) least expected it, it would sneak up on us and became finally real. Now, we are three unique, different characters, but we form one unity. Luanna.

I have one child and enjoy being a mother. It feels very natural to me; I did not feel the need to read a lot of books. Just going with gut feeling. Life changing experience, giving birth. Suddenly, my husband feels so small. Jana, 36.

I have never wanted children so I never had them. At the age of 55 I have never regretted my choice and I don't think that I ever will. The dedication to zero population growth and my desire for a career lead to my choice. Corky, 55.

In the future I want to have children, preferably three to four. I hope to not start my family till I am about 27 to 30, hopefully by then I'll be financially stable. If I could not have children, which I feel is highly possible due to anxiety, I would like to adopt. Adoption is always good, if you can better a child's life, do it. And if I was to become unexpectedly pregnant, I like to think that J. and I would keep the baby. It would be hard, but worth it in the long run. Amanda, 19.

I have one child, which I had very young. While I do not regret having her, I feel that I was too young and that she may have suffered because of my immaturity. I do not want another child. If I became pregnant now I am not sure what I would do - serious soul searching would be required. Cory, 35.

I was raised believing that if you are a woman then your body was designed to have a baby. Well by many tries I am still barren. I wish I had been told that not everyone is able to have children and I wish I had never had an abortion at 13, because I would at least have had a child to hold on to. Irene, 36.

One day I would like to have a child. Preferably not for five more years. Right now I am faced with being three weeks late. I didn't use any contraception, dumb me, too late now, perhaps. Fortunately the father is older and in a position to take care of, if not marry me if I am. I'm worried but at the same time so excited by the thought of having a child. I'm torn. Jessica, 21.

I am planning on having a lot of kids when I get married and have finished school. I can't wait to be a mommy. Julie, 20.

I cannot have children because of potential for complication/fatality from a non-reproductive, medical procedure ironically performed to save my life from yet another medical condition. :) Although I would need to choose abortion in such case [of pregnancy], I also respect the right of other women to choose motherhood (even at medical risk) and wish our government would understand a woman's body is not state property. Robin, 24.

I I couldn't have a child I would adopt a child that a different mother can't care for. Anonymous.

I have a son, he was an accident. I had tried so many years when I was married and then when I least expected it and not married after one night, boom. An absolute miracle. Because I was never able to become pregnant and deliver again. I have one son and he's gay. I so hope he will have a family. Gay rights have to change to help him. I don't believe in abortion unless medical complications necessitate it or in the case of rape. I can't imagine being old and not having a child. Karen, 45.

I am planning to have children, when is the question. I don't want it to happen too late and I don't want to be unprepared. I guess you are never ready. There is so much a part of me that is willing to sacrifice my whole life and body to be a Mom, but that other part of me just knows it would not work for me right now. Right now it would do more harm then good for everyone involved. I can't wait till the moment hits me. Jessica, 29.

I'm 19 years old; I've already had two miscarriages. I hope to someday have children, but my doctors say that it probably won't happen. Why can some people not have children? I love children. All I ever have wanted is a house full of children. I can't believe that I may not give birth to my own child. My question is why me? Kris, 19.

I have one child, a daughter who is 10 years old. Being a mother is both the best and most difficult experience of my life. I can't imagine now not having her. Before her, I thought that having a child with a developmental disability would be a tragedy. Now I know that it is a unique blessing to be given this special child. Cyndi, 40.

I had a miscarriage when I was trying to have a child. Luckily, I was able to conceive again and I have a beautiful child who is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me. I decided not to have any more children but unexpectedly found out I was pregnant. I had an abortion. Anonymous, 35.

I'm 31 and have not had any children. Sometimes I feel "less" than other women. I often think that I would make a better teacher than a mother. Anonymous, 35.

I would love to have children in my late twenties. If I can't have children, then I would like to be with somebody who does have children or could. Because of today's society I am afraid to have children because of my sexuality. It is not an everyday thing that you see two women together with a child. I do not want my child to go through being teased because of my lifestyle. Pregnancy is a beautiful thing that I do not want to miss out on. Being able to raise a part of you is so amazing to me. Anonymous, 18.

Some day I plan on having children. Not now, but someday I'd like to have at least four. Just to think that this could not happen makes me want to cry. I could never imagine. My deepest sympathies go to those who can't and my congratulations to those who can. Chelsea, 18.

I do not want children. And I very much fear that someday - not far from now - my choice to terminate a pregnancy may no longer be a choice for myself, by body or other women. Christine, 26.

I have been pregnant twice. Once I terminated the pregnancy at 17, and at 24 I decided to carry to term and place the baby, my baby I should say, with an adoptive, infertile couple. The experience totally expanded my mind and my perception of what is 'family'. However, I feel a huge sense of latent or potential mothering and wonder how I will express that in my life. Alison, 27.

I am unable to have children due to certain defects of the female reproductive system. Contrary to popular belief I do not think that a part of me will be missed. There are millions of children in the world to be adopted! Anonymous, 19.

I have been trying to conceive for eleven months! Still nothing...I am lucky enough to have a beautiful 5 yr old daughter. Laurie, 32.

I am planning on having children one day. I love kids. If I couldn't have children then I would adopt. If I suddenly became pregnant I would be really happy to be blessed with such an extraordinary gift from God! Kelly, 19.

At this moment I would say no [to planning on children]. However, I can not say how different I will be 10 years from now. I would probably be content to adopt a child if I could not have one and wanted one. I feel there are too many children in this world that go through life without family. I couldn't say what I would do, if I unexpectedly became pregnant. It would depend on the circumstances of the time. However, abortion is never an option for me. Shauna, 20.

I am seven months pregnant and very excited. This pregnancy was not planned. We were planning for a year or two and I never considered my options of whether or not I could have children. I just assumed I could. About pregnancy - I love it and can't wait to see my child. Christine, 29.

We wanted to have a big family, many children. We found out that we couldn't. There was nothing found to be abnormal in my or my partner's body. We had some medical help, we tried for 1 1/2 years. Experienced sadness, disappointment, frustration and resignation. A deep sense of loss. Acceptance, too. We walked away from the situation and later separated. It was a dream that failed for us. If I ever become pregnant I would have my child. It will probably never happen, and that is okay with me now. Carola, 34.

Project Description | Press Release