In continuation of my last post on antinatalism and in keeping with my June theme, controversy, I want to explore antinatalism from the following perspectives:
It’s one thing to want to birth and raise children in a country that encourages their growth, progress, and success. But in a developing country like Nigeria? That’s bold of you.
Being born in Nigeria comes with built-in consequences: insecurity, inaccessible healthcare, police brutality, a crumbling economy, perpetual ASUU strikes, a weak passport, lack of access to global opportunities, etc.
Those who succeed here often do so in spite of the country, not because of it. It’s no wonder everyone wants to japa.
It’s also worth noting that Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with 2020 estimates putting it at number 3 globally. Based on these numbers, only two out of 195 countries have more women who die during childbirth than Nigeria: Sudan and Chad. That is, a war-torn country, and its similarly affected neighbour.
So, if you’re a woman giving birth in Nigeria, you’re one of the most likely women in the entire world to die doing it.
Yet, in our culture, the desire to have children is rarely questioned. It’s simply normal. It’s expected. It requires no justification.
Nigerians are deeply religious people, and many believe we’re in a heavenly race (Muslims and Christians, at least). Personally, I think it is exhausting to live a lifetime with the belief that my eternal fate depends on how well I follow a long list of spiritual rules.
The fact that I was given no choice in the matter makes me mad. Now, I will be responsible for the outcome of something I didn’t ask to participate in.
So, why drag someone else into all that?
I already mentioned the risk of pregnancy to Nigerian women, but let’s talk about how risky it is generally. People tell you that pregnancy is a gift from God. But let’s talk about what that “gift” might come with.
It is important to note that pregnancy would be far less dangerous if there was more research and medical investment in women’s health, but that is a topic for another day.
Here’s a non-exhaustive list of complications that can occur during pregnancy or postpartum:
Miscarriage: 1 in 3 to 1 in 4
Stillbirth: 1 in 170
Anaemia: 15–25% of pregnancies
Gestational diabetes: 6–9%
Preeclampsia: 5–8%
Eclampsia: ~1 in 2,000
HELLP Syndrome: 0.2–0.6%
Hyperemesis Gravidarum (severe nausea/vomiting): 0.3–2%
Placenta previa / accreta / abruption: 0.5% – 1%
Amniotic fluid embolism: ~1 in 40,000
Uterine rupture: 0.07%
Preterm labour: 10%
Postpartum haemorrhage: 3–5%
Postpartum depression: 1 in 8 to 1 in 4
Postpartum anxiety: ~15%
Postpartum psychosis: 1–2 in 1,000 births
Diastasis recti (abdominal separation): up to 60%
Urinary incontinence: 30–50% postpartum
Pelvic floor dysfunction: 43–58%
Falls during pregnancy: 1 in 4
Obstructed labour: Up to 1 in 6
Fistula formation: ~1 in 1,000
Gestational hypertension: 6–8%
Thyroid disorders, sciatica, migraines, gingivitis, carpal tunnel, and more
📌 Source for pregnancy complication list
A 2020 U.S. study of over 10 million women found that about 46% of pregnancies had at least one unexpected complication.
People will tell you, “Your case will be different”, if you express your worries to them. But if something does happen, they’ll switch to “You’re not the first” or “Everything happens for a reason.”
Meanwhile, you're left with the trauma and the medical aftermath, possibly for life.
Oh, and by the way, you're also more likely to be murdered by your partner if you're pregnant, especially if you're already in a toxic or abusive relationship.
In the U.S., homicide is the leading cause of death for pregnant and postpartum women. Furthermore, you are more likely to be a homicide victim in the US as a pregnant woman than a non-pregnant one.
There are no solid statistics for Nigeria, but one can only imagine.
In short, Pregnancy is dangerous. In many ways, pregnancy is an act of extreme selflessness by women, and maybe, just maybe, it is something that requires much more careful consideration than it is given.
Despite my arguments, I haven’t reached a personal conclusion on the matter of having kids (my parents would probably disown me if they saw this).
And I think it says a lot that even though I believe the logical choice is not to have children, I still haven’t fully convinced myself.
Here’s a conversation I had with a friend who shares a similar POV:
Oftentimes, there is no rationality to the idea of wanting to have children; people simply want to have children.
I also believe that bodily autonomy is a non-negotiable right. Everyone should be able to make decisions about their body and reproductive future without external interference.
So, while I have made my controversial arguments against childbirth, I respect parents. And I respect people who choose to be childfree.
What I ask and hope for is that more people stop to think deeply and honestly about why we want children. And whether it’s truly what we want, or just what we’ve been told to want.
That is all.
PS: Read here for the potential benefits of population decline.
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