Without issue: New Zealanders who choose not to have children

by J. Cameron

People who consciously choose not to have children are often seen as selfish, neurotic, abnormal and somehow incomplete. They are expected to explain their decision in a way that is never demanded of parents. Without Issue explores some of the myths surrounding the decision not to have children, through interviews and case studies of women and men--married and single, old and young--who have chosen not to become parents. Jan Cameron takes a clear and objective look at the myths and the realities, with some surprising conclusions. In New Zealand during the 1980s one woman in nine was childless; that figure is likely to double by the end of the century. This book helps make it more acceptable for people to choose freely not to have children, and to live their lives as non-parents without apology.

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997