Women Free to Be Child Free

Australians have voiced their support for women who chose to be child-free, with 81% of females from across the nation stating that women should do whatever it is that makes them happy in the family planning department.

The survey of 547 conducted by Australia?s leading marketer to women, The Heat Group, asked about the attitudes towards females who decide not to procreate. Interestingly, 11% said that although they don?t think it?s normal for a woman not to want children, they are not judgmental towards those who make such a choice.

Only 5% of those surveyed believe that no woman chooses to be child free and that it?s just a front to protect a very personal circumstance.

The social stigma that child free women are selfish has also diminished, with just 13 people expressing this sentiment.

With the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures showing that the 2004 fertility rate was 1.77 children, society is far less rushed than the Government to bring this rate back up to where it was ten years ago.

Treasurer Peter Costello has urged families to have a child for the mother, one for the father and one for the country, however some Australian women choose to have none for themselves.

Gillian Franklin, Managing Director of the Heat Group said:
"Population is a very important factor as far as economics are concerned. However when people make family choices like this, the last thing on their mind is doing it for society?s sake."

"Being child free used to be frowned upon, and even today according to this survey, a minority still believes that no woman actually chooses not to procreate. However, it is comforting to see that the stigma surrounding child free women is eroding."

"This is very important because having a family is a choice we?re all free to make. The last reason anyone should be doing it is because there?s an expectation or social pressure."

About The Heat Group

With leading cosmetic brands, Max Factor, Covergirl, Bourjois and Red Earth, Heat is recognized as one of Australia's most successful emerging companies, an award-winning Employer of Choice with an established track record of growing brands. Founded in 2000, Heat prides itself on its unique company culture and sums this up in three words: creative, dynamic, passionate. For more information on The Heat Group visit www.heatgroup.com.au.