The Power to Choose--a Child.

Some years ago, I wrote an essay called "Childfree by Choice."  I later wrote about the same topic for WebMD:
http://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/features/child-free-couples-thriving-without-kids.

I've been happily childfree for years.  In fact, I knew at age 12 that I didn't want kids (this, after an exhausting bout of baby-sitting).  I've never once regretted my decision.

Though I would like to say that I like some kids--especially the Mazanecs in Florida, the Finchers in Tennessee and the Kayas in Massachusetts. And kids often like me.

Still, in the mass media, being childless is treated as a condition that needs...well, curing. 

The media saliciously tracks every pair-bonding couple for their procreation potential.  Well-meaning friends and family urge us toward breeding.

That's why I was thrilled to read actress Lisa Edelstein's (Dr. Lisa Cuddy on House) musings on the subject:  I'd love to be a real-life mother, but my life would be just as valid and rich if it doesn't happen."

Bravo, Lisa.  Lives are not only defined by children--or a lack of them.