Publishers Weekly
10/02/2023
In this thoughtful debut, journalist Rushton explores the question of whether she—or anyone—should become a parent. Diving into such topics as reproductive rights and climate change, Rushton interrogates if and how these issues should impact her personal decision to have children. Acknowledging that her perspective is that of a middle-class white woman, she leans into archetypical middle- and upper-class concerns like the unfair division of emotional labor by gender, but also critiques the notion that liberated women should inherently feel that work is more rewarding than childcare. To break out of her limited viewpoint, Rushton profiles a wide range of parents and nonparents. Tinu, a Black woman who gave birth in the British maternity system, describes being ignored when begging doctors to address her serious bleeding, while Australian climate scientist Joelle Gergis, who is not a parent and has incredible grief over the global impact of bushfires, nonetheless thinks “self-flagellation” around whether to have kids in a warming world is unproductive. Elsewhere, Rushton highlights the perspective of such experts as fertility specialist Kate Stern, who discusses the sheer effort involved in pursuing IVF. Seamlessly combining memoir and reportage, Rushton gives articulate voice to the anxiety of a generation for whom the future feels more unclear than ever. It’s a comprehensive look at parenthood in the 21st century. (Sept.)
From the Publisher
"Moving . . . Showing equal kindness and compassion."
—Jessica Winter, The New Yorker
“Rushton's work is generous, thoughtful, and honest, taking care neither to romanticize nor to disparage the choice to become a parent.”
—Jenny Hamilton, Booklist (starred review)
"Rushton is asking a question that is likely to resonate with anyone paying attention: "I want to know how people parent without living in permanent denial or perpetual dread." [ . . . ] The Parenthood Dilemma, in its inability (or perhaps refusal) to offer a black-and-white response to a complex, messy inquiry, may actually be an answer in and of itself, inviting insight, reflection, and comfort."
—Kerry McHugh, Shelf Awareness
"As a woman who struggled with whether or not to have a child, I appreciated Gina Rushton's The Parenthood Dilemma immensely. I loved the beautifully written introspection and the meticulous reporting around considerations like climate change, fertility, genes, and reproductive rights — even as Rushton comes to understand that ‘no one is going to write the ending for me.’ I hate the term ‘must-read,’ but damn it, everyone considering having kids in this chaotic era should read this book."
—Amber Sparks, author of And I Do Not Forgive You
"Gina Rushton brings her forensic journalistic eye to the question of whether we choose to be a mother or not. This is an honest, compelling, well-researched book that makes a valuable contribution to the contemporary discussion about reproductive choices and rights in a nuanced and thoughtful way."
—Dr. Pragya Agarwal, author of Sway and (M)otherhood
"With a journalist’s doggedness, a philosopher’s scope, and a thirtysomething woman’s sense of a deadline looming, Gina Rushton rips back the sentimental gauze of motherhood to confront a question as urgent as it is unmentionable: Should I — should anyone — bring a child into a world on fire? For parents and non-parents alike, this book is a call to arms to build a fairer, freer, more sustainable, and more truly feminist future."
—Joanna Scutts, author of Hotbed and The Extra Woman
"A fiercely intelligent meditation on the decision to have a child, and an interrogation of all that modern motherhood entails."
—Leah Hazard, author of Womb: The Inside Story of Where We All Began and Hard Pushed: A Midwife's Story
"Gina Rushton reports unflinchingly from the disjunction between received wisdoms about motherhood and received realities that continue to constrict the choices of women of her generation. A significant and vital book; a must-read."
—Sarah Krasnostein, author of The Believer
"The Parenthood Dilemma changed the way I view my life, myself, and the way I relate to the world. I say that without exaggeration. This is a vital, necessary read not just for those considering parenthood but for anyone who wants to live a more conscious, compassionate life and to more deeply understand the relation between individual and community, human and climate, and between our present lives and the past and future."
—Emma Bolden, author of The Tiger and the Cage: A Memoir of a Body in Crisis
"A vigorous interrogation of one of the most significant decisions of our lives. Exceptionally clever, unfearing, and tender. An important addition to a growing body of contemporary literature that examines the intersection between our personal lives and global justice."
—Alice Kinsella, author of Milk: On Motherhood and Madness
"A smart and insightful exploration of parenthood – both personal and political – that’s sure to move, stir and inspire."
—Chloë Ashby, author of Second Self and Wet Paint
"A passionate and punchy exploration of modern parenthood, mixing memoir with journalism, the personal and the political. A propulsive and powerful read."
—Sam Mills, author of Fragments of my Father and Chauvo-Feminism: On Sex, Power & #MeToo
