World Childless Week

News: World Childless Week 2021

This week (13 to 19 September 2021) we are marking World Childless Week.

Approximately 1 in 5 women are childless at midlife and of those, research suggests that 10% have made a positive decision not to have children.

Of the remaining 90%:

  • 10% are childless because of medical or fertility issues
  • 80% are childless by circumstance - for example: they had not found a suitable partner, their partner did not want children, they were caring for a relative.

Involuntary childlessness - or childless not by choice does not discriminate by gender, sexuality, ethnicity, or disability. It can affect anyone and often involves feelings of loss, grief and isolation.

We would like to know how staff at Oxleas are affected by this. We have a short survey for staff affected by this to complete.

If you or someone you know is affected by involuntary childlessness or you want to know more about available support, please visit the World Childless Week website. 

Watch the Jody Day TED talk: The Lost Tribe of childless women. 

Published on 13th September 2021