As more 'voluntary single mothers' emerge, who give birth and raise children without the framework of marriage, two women with different backgrounds and values are making noticeably different voices about this system.
In the broadcast of TV Chosun's entertainment program 'Our Baby Is Born' on the 20th, a story was featured about an internal medicine specialist who is preparing to give birth to her second child through sperm donation, following her first.
Having decided to voluntarily become a single mother, she openly shared her decision made at age 36, saying, "I can get married anytime, but there is a timing for childbirth." Her straightforward reason, "It's not that I have a rejection of the marriage system. I just really wanted to have a child," was sincere.
Currently raising a 28-month-old child after her first birth, she has also become pregnant through in vitro fertilization with the same sperm donor for her second child. Despite balancing parenting and her work at the hospital, she said, "I am happy every day," adding, "The sense of accomplishment I feel when my child grows well is much greater than the hardships." She continued, "I take pride in doing it on my own. I want to be a prouder mom."
In particular, she expressed hope that if 'voluntary single mothers' become more common, the world might become a little better. "Even when test-tube babies first came out, there were ethical controversies, but now it's accepted as natural. I hope sperm donation will be accepted that way someday," she confidently stated.
On the other hand, Sayuri, who is known as the first public figure in the country to choose the path of a 'voluntary single mother,' holds a slightly different stance. Sayuri, who gave birth to her son Zen through sperm donation in Japan in 2020, recently revealed her parenting life again on Channel A's 'Dad Is a Flower Middle-Aged Man.'
She noted, "At the time, I had someone I liked, but after the breakup, I decided to get pregnant due to the lack of time," adding, "I have no regrets, but I wouldn't want to recommend this choice. I hope it doesn't get accepted like a trend." She emphasized, "It's not because I'm a forward-thinking woman. It was just a personal decision with no options," conveying a cautionary message against the blind idealization of voluntary single motherhood.
Nevertheless, both women clearly share the commonality of doing their best to love their children in their respective positions. Sayuri obtained a driver's license to fill the absence of a father and has been dedicated to her role as 'Zen's mom,' while the internal medicine specialist is striving to be a better mom, dedicating herself to parenting amidst her busy medical practice. Though their lives under the name 'voluntary single mothers' are certainly different, they are all united by the singular heart of 'loving a child.'
[Photo] Broadcast capture
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