Remembering Gloria and her legacy of choice
Many people think Gloria Steinem was against motherhood. In truth, her legacy offers wisdom for ambitious women who also want to become mothers.
Yes, Gloria Steinem was critical of the idea that motherhood should be a compulsory expectation or define a woman's value. Ultimately, she chose not to have children.
At the same time, she deeply respected motherhood and its broader significance.
In her essay "Mother as a Verb", she wrote:
"To mother is to care about the welfare of another person as much as one's own self."
She described "mothering" as an act of empathy, compassion, and intentional care—qualities she believed both women and men should cultivate.
Her words resonate deeply with me because becoming a mother completely changed my own life.
In my 30s, I realized I was investing nearly all my time and energy in things that wouldn't last. Climbing the corporate ladder no longer felt meaningful. Buying whatever I wanted no longer brought satisfaction. I was ready to invest in something bigger than myself.
Motherhood completely reoriented my priorities, and my life, for the better. Then, during my brutal custody battle, it changed my broader mission and purpose in a way that aligns with Gloria's work.
Gloria believed that while some women were forced into motherhood too early, others were effectively pushed away from motherhood by workplaces and systems that made family-building far more difficult. She believed women should be able to make their own choices and define their own paths.
At Cheri's Choice, that belief deeply resonates with our mission. Every woman deserves to understand her reproductive timeline, pursue her career and passions, and learn about all the family-building options available so she can make informed decisions and build a fulfilling life on her own terms.
Today, I celebrate Gloria and her lasting legacy. And I hope we continue building a world where every woman has not only the freedom to choose her own path, but also the knowledge to make that choice with confidence.
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#womensrighttochoose
