Are childless couples selfish?

I have read that people who don't want children are inherently selfish. Either way it's a choice that people make as bringing up children is indeed very hard ! People make sacrifices to put their children first in mostly any decision. This is understandable but can also be considered a selfish choice as the childless person is free to do what they want without having to consider others, it maybe because the person is career minded or just not maternal or paternal. What do you think ?

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PirateMonkeyCabinet · 36-40, M

I wouldn't say it is inherently selfish nor selfless, the same as I wouldn't say having kids is inherently selfish or selfless.

There are compelling reasons for why some people might not want children. When it comes to biological children, bad genes and family illnesses that have a high risk of being passed on is a good one. I suppose it could also be argued that there are enough people pushing out biological children anyway and not enough who adopt or take in children who will otherwise live in bad situations.

But barring the whole biological vs. non-biological debate, there is also the matter of not everyone having the capability, the fortitude or even mental health stability to make good parents. If everyone made good parents there would be far fewer kids struggling in the world. Some people are better off not having kids, and struggle enough with caring for themselves.

EDIT: Oh, forgot to add, there is also the matter of being able to provide for a child. Having kids when you're in a really bad financial spot isn't the best idea either, and as such I wouldn't call it selfish to avoid bringing up a child in an already financially unstable situation.

RubySoo · 56-60, F

@PirateMonkeyCabinet well said my friend.
Its a conversation ive had many times about big families (at the school i worked in) Neither parent working yet gaving 8 to 12 kids!! The kids get free school meals, even trips. are paid for. Where as we stopped at two kids to try to ensure we could provide for them comfortably....yet at gones ours had to miss out trips if money was tight.....

PirateMonkeyCabinet · 36-40, M

@RubySoo Thank you! Yeah, I've seen someone who is now on their sixth kid. Looking at their financial situation and social struggles, not to mention the timing, it almost seems like they are pushing them out at a rate in which they can keep claiming state benefits over here. These children have a fair amount challenges already, yet instead of that being properly addressed they keep squeezing out more. They live a bit outside of civilization because it is too expensive otherwise which means the kids have quite reduced social options. The parents have switched/downgraded cars several times for financial issues and can no longer afford something big enough to drive everyone at once (and at this rate will need a new driver's license that qualifies them to drive a bus). It's just a bad situation that they keep making worse.