I have three children; all teenagers. I loved raising them. If Helen did not want children, that is a personal decision. I loved Helen in 2010: Oddesy 2 and I hope Oliver Stone decides to put to film 3001: The Final Oddesy.

It’s so nauseating to hear everyone cheering children on. Most who decide to have children pro-create in the heat of passion, and I believe they regret the decision, when their bank accounts run dry, they have sleepless nights, need to worry about predators, accidents, get divorces, families fall apart, kids are on crack, etc. Besides, isn’t global warming a direct affect of overpopulation??? My husband and I have been married almost ten years…nearing 40 years old, and we agreed we did not want children on our first date! The sex is ALWAYS AWESOME, we can walk around in our undies, we own very nice things that we’ve worked hard for that children have not destroyed, a 100K sports car, and none of these things would be possible if we had children. By the way, people having or not having children are not the selfish ones…..the children are! No getting around that! My life is exactly the way I want it….you are the creator of your own destiny. These are just my personal views–doesn’t make me wrong or right…just right for myself!

I have become deeply disturbed about “This polluted, Overpopulated world we live in” debate. That is not a reason to not have children. Just like STD’s aren’t completely the reason to be celibate (Everyone finds their way around situations). Everyone has their own opinions! yes! But that is just a very tacky excuse! Some things are just unavoidable, so life goes on!

sorry kori, but you sound defensive even though you’re the one who set the tone of the debate by declaring selfish people shouldn’t have children. you seem to be equating wanting or cherishing personal freedom with selfishness. Helen is being true to herself and I applaud her for that. And to Laura, news flash, you needn’t feel sorry for Helen, you don’t seem to get it luv, she isn’t missing anything. And the silly argument that people who don’t want children are selfish is moronic at best. How’d you like it if I said that you’re selfish because you have this idea that your dna must be passed on even in this volitile, hostile, overpopulated world that we live in.

Laura B.:
Helen Mirren doesn’t need your sympathy. She’s living a perfectly happy and fulfilling life without it. I have read all the comments in this discussion…it seems most of the people are educated, open-minded people. No offence…but reading your comments make me think of somebody who has lived their life in a traditional community (e.g. the Red States in the U.S.?) where having children is considered a crucial part of life (I know what it’s like to come across people with such views…my parents came from rural China and were just expected to have children…unfortunately, they have not turned out to be good parents (to say the least)). My advice to you is to never use words like “there is no question” when your dealing with such a sensitive issue in a public arena (it’s better to use strong words like that when you’re around your own “type”). It can have the adverse effect of making you come off across a little ignorant and close-minded (especially on this discussion board where you’re clearly in the minority). In closing, I’d like to say if you feel directly offended by my comments, I would like to apologize in advance (but you must understand that this is a very personal issue for me because I was raised by two people who I do not believe should have become parents because they had too many of their own issues!).

I am so glad that the article about Helen was added to the site when it was. I had just finally admitted to myself after months of thinking about it that I too don’t want to have myon biological child. Though, my situation is different as me and my bf have decided to foster, so we won’t be childless, but I applaud her for being so honest, and let’s face it she hasn’t created another little person with a guilt hang-up – there are already enough of them in the world.

Just a note to Liz to say that I am not at all ticked off about Helen Mirren saying what she said, I just feel bad for her that she doesn’t know what she’s missing. I’m very surprised that on a celebrity baby site that I appear to be in the minority for saying this. And come on, there is no question that the majority of the people who don’t want to have children are doing it for selfish reasons. Please…

I aplaud Helen for saying this. I believe that you should know 100% that you want children before you have them. I’m a nanny so I’ve seen both sides of the coin. I hear a lot how having children is this wonderful life changing experience and it’s the greatest thing in the world, etc., but I’ve met many women who either hate being parents or are totally neutral to the whole thing. Yes, I think the former reaction is more “natural”, but there are still a lot of people with the latter reactions. Being a mother is not for everyone, and I think it’s for a lot less people than are mothers righ now. I had an aunt who had 3 children in 6 years, resented them, and basically neglected them. That’s one of the reasons I’m leaning towards not having children. I feel that I might do the same thing. People tell me constantly that I won’t, but shouldn’t I know my own soul better than them? Should I take that gamble with another life? It’s so strange to me how people kind of try to force others to have children. And I hate how the whole selfish vs. selfless things plays out. I think that parents who call childfree people selfsih are a little bit resentful of their lives and their freedom and maybe regret just a little having children. Otherwise they wouldn’t get so ticked off.

I saw that interview and I thought Helen was very intelligent and very funny.
It’s a shame that a woman has to be questioned about her life choices if she decides not to have children. Why should it matter? It’s as if someone is saying your life in meaningless if you don’t have children. Having a child may be the biggest joy in most people’s lives, but those without children are not living joyless, meaningless lives.
I think deciding to not have children is not selfish. There are many reasons behind that choice, and it doesn’t mean that you want freedom so that you can go out and party and travel or be irresponsible. And it’s not about thinking that you wouldn’t be a good mother either. It’s just about making a decision that is best for your life. And women shouldn’t judge or tear each other down over each other’s choices.

She didn’t want to have kids that is her perogative. Kudos to her. Yes having my daughter is a wonderful experience!! But how do we know that it would be a wonderful experience to everyone? I know women who have kids who do not even seem phased by it and still go about their own ways constantly leaving the baby with a sitter. So just because we moms think “she is missing out on the best thing” in reality she isn’t because she doesnt desire kids. I would rather people who do not want to have kids, NOT have them!!