Birth of a Great Debate: Free to Be Childless--or Selfish?

Carla Hall’s article about women who are childless by choice (“To Have or Have Not,” Sept. 3) was refreshing in that it helped affirm that I am not the only woman on Earth who is looked upon with suspicion because I have my freedom rather than children.

Unfortunately, Ms. Hall concluded by apparently agreeing with one of the biggest stereotypes of all, that women who choose not to have children experience “some sadness, some grief over deciding never to bear children.”

Speak for yourself, Ms. Hall. I’m convinced that I am not the only woman who decided to bypass motherhood without so much as a second thought. Sadness? Grief? Not me. Not ever. Not over this. Today I’m 53, free and happy as a childless clam.

STEPHANIE CULP

Temecula

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I do not need to write two pages rhapsodizing and rationalizing about why Hall and her counterparts do not have children. It’s really very plain and simple--they’re selfish.

CATHERINE HUTZEL

Newhall

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I am a 44-year-old married male, childless by choice. I found some remarkable similarities in my thoughts and attitudes toward childbearing with the subjects of your article (including Hall). By knowing there are others with the same notions, my wife and I feel less stigmatized and “unique.” PETER PENLAND

Laguna Beach