As I delved into antinatalism, an ideology often stigmatized by society, I found a surprising depth of compassion and complexity. Despite being taboo in many circles, antinatalists prioritize reducing suffering and minimizing harm. They argue that, for those who can choose, the moral path is to refrain from creating new human lives.
Antinatalism challenges traditional notions of morality and societal expectations. The author’s protagonist in their book Seed adopts this stance, but faced opposition due to the taboo nature of the topic. This stigma stems from antinatalism contradicting fundamental principles in various fields, including religion, economics, and social norms.
In contrast, pronatalism has gained significant traction in mainstream culture, with some advocating for legislation that promotes population growth. The US government’s recent actions, such as cutting off contraceptive supplies to 50 million women, exemplify this trend.
However, the author observes a stark difference in compassion between antinatalists and pronatalists. As climate change continues to pose an existential threat, it’s essential to reevaluate our values and priorities. The taboo nature of antinatalism serves as a reminder that not all perspectives are welcome or easily discussed.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/sep/28/should-we-have-children-burning-planet-author-bri-lee-seed-book-antinatalism-seriously-taboo