We Support Feminist Antinatalists
What is antinatalism? It is the belief that giving birth is a negative event, and for many of us women, this truth is undeniable. Antinatalism extends beyond just the harm to women, positing that bringing a child into this world is also harmful to the child. The antinatalist movement has gained significant traction in recent years, expanding rapidly through Reddit, with both the r/antinatalism and r/FemaleAntinatalism subreddits growing as more women and people explore this ideology.
Let’s face it, being alive means endless fighting. While we may occasionally enjoy good food, beautiful travel experiences, or the joy of great friendships, much of life is filled with challenges. We have to labor to not starve, to make rent. We have to constantly solve problems, both our own and ones that we had no part in creating. Though we may find meaning in these battles, they can also be exhausting. While those of us who are alive already can continue to fight and find purpose from it, we should not force others to live in a world of perpetual struggle.
Life tends to multiply excessively, often to its own detriment, whether it’s in simpler organisms or more complex forms like humans. Male-driven ideologies constantly push the notion of increasing the human population, without consideration for the well-being of society or the planet. Why is it that pro-lifers are so eager to force births, but fail to show the same care and concern for orphaned children? Life doesn’t need to keep multiplying, especially if it brings harm. In fact, the lower the birth rates, the better women’s lives become, and the better humans can live as a whole.
At 4B, we adopt a “no birth by default” philosophy, which aligns with the ideals of antinatalism. While some feminist antinatalists may still have relationships or sex with men, we don’t believe in that practice, as it contradicts our core beliefs. However, choosing not to have children still makes a profound impact, and we wholeheartedly support women who embrace antinatalism. Let us solve our own problems, instead of forcing children to do it for us. ♀