Wanna-be moms too worried about their figure to give birth?

by Martha Edwards (Subscribe to Martha Edwards's posts)
Nov 6th 2008 5:00PM

Categories: Diet & Weight Loss, Motivation

Recently, TV star Katherine Heigl raised a few eyebrows when she said, "I'm finished with the whole idea of having children of my own. It doesn't seem like any fun. I don't think it's necessary to go through all that." Isn't pregnancy supposed to be a gift? A miracle? More meaningful than just some tedious inconvenience?

But Heigel is not alone -- according to The Daily Mail, many women are choosing adoption over pregnancy. The reasons are many but a couple are especially common: To keep their career on track and maintain their figure. Says one adoptive mother: "I am quite slim, so yes, a lot of it is pure vanity. I don't like the thought of changing my body for a child. Giving birth and the idea of all that pain filled me with dread."

Is not giving birth because of vanity a selfish move? Or a practical one? In the end, it all comes down to personal choice, but I'm curious -- what do you think?

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Comments (3)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

helen 11-23-2008 @ 10:09PM

i think it's a bit sad that women are avoiding having children for the sake of pure vanity, and yes, in a way, it is selfish. I don't believe that there is anyone willing to have an abortion for vanity, fortunately, but i sincerely hope this isn't a step in that direction.
On the other hand, if women are happy to have children and are considering adoption, that would help a whole lot of children who need homes, which would be excellent. All in all, this article says something a bit disturbing (to me) about our society and how we live in a "me me me" world, but at the same time, it could have very positive effects for foster children and orphans.

Janell 11-07-2008 @ 12:47PM

If being pregnant is an "inconvenience" then what is raising a child? I am not saying that everyone should have kids, but if you choose adoption simply because you don't want to be "bothered" with a pregnancy, then what happens when that child needs something? Will it be too much of a "bother" to actually take care of that child or will you just pawn that job off to the nanny and only have the kid around when you feel like it? If vanity and inconvenience keep you from ever wanting to be pregnant, then just skip the whole child thing all together. It sounds like these poor kids would be better off.

Ariel Gamba 11-08-2008 @ 5:36PM

I don't see what is wrong with this. I completely agree. There are many children available for adoption that need new homes. For example, China has a one child policy, after a couple's first child, any more must be given up for adoption. This makes it so couples only want boys, so there are many unwanted Chinese baby girls up for adoption. If adoption saves the mom from an inconvenience and gives a child parents, it is only a win-win situation.