Modern Motherhood: Navigating Career, Fertility, and Choice

PARIS – In a recent broadcast of "La Maison des Maternelles," renowned endocrinologist and professor in medical gynecology, Nathalie Massin, shed light on the complex decisions women face regarding motherhood in contemporary society. Co-author of "Être mère, si je veux quand je veux!" (To Be a Mother, If I Want, When I Want!), Massin discussed the societal shifts influencing women's choices. Massin emphasized that while women increasingly seek to establish their careers and secure financial stability before starting a family, it's not solely about professional ambition. "They also want to build a parental couple before having children," she stated, highlighting the desire for a stable partnership. The discussion also delved into the enduring concept of the "biological clock." While acknowledging its physiological reality, Massin pointed out that modern medical advancements offer new possibilities. "We now have means to delay the age of fertility, such as oocyte vitrification," she explained, referring to egg freezing, which allows women to preserve their fertility for later. Crucially, Massin underscored the importance of recognizing diverse life paths. "It's very important to remember that there is still a life without children," she asserted, noting that choosing not to have children is a perfectly valid and often chosen life project. She also highlighted the experiences of women who desire motherhood but are unable to achieve it due to various factors, including lack of a partner or failed assisted reproductive technology (ART) attempts. "There are truly other ways to experience motherhood than by having and raising a child," she concluded, echoing a sentiment often attributed to figures like Oprah Winfrey. The conversation aimed to foster a broader understanding of individual autonomy in family planning beyond traditional expectations.