The Last Taboo

Saying No to Motherhood

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology

• Author: Rosemary Agonito
• ISBN: 9781628940893
• Publisher: Algora Publishing
• Publication: January 5, 2015
• Imprint: Algora Publishing
• Language: English

The Last Taboo' makes the case against having babies despite fierce, centuries old pressure on women to legitimate themselves through motherhood. Motherhood is the most important issue for a woman since it impacts everything in her life and exerts incredible pressure. This alternative, saying no to babies, will be welcome to women who are considering having babies, who are not sure about children, who don't want to have children but feel they must, who resent pressure to become pregnant, and who feel stigmatized for not having had children. Feminists, environmentalists, progressives will also benefit, as will academic programs in women's studies and family.

The glorification of motherhood is everywhere in the media. 'The Last Taboo' breaks ground in questioning the motherhood 'requirement' and its glorification, while testifying to the harm motherhood regularly does to (1) women (their relationships, finances, careers, self-identity, physical energy), (2) unwanted children (half of all pregnancies are unplanned), and (3) the human species and environment (whose very existences are threatened by excessive reproduction.) For too long, women have been consigned to a life not suited to all, or even most women in the modern era, an era reeling under the environmental devastation of overpopulation. Women are not obliged to have children, despite great pressures. Motherhood is not a prerequisite for being a 'real' woman.