Beyond Parenthood: Why JD Vance's Views on Childless Americans Miss the Mark
In a world that often measures our worth by our roles, there’s an expectation that certain milestones define us—marriage, children, career success. For many, these are the hallmarks of a "complete" life. But what happens when life doesn’t follow the traditional script? When circumstances, whether by choice or by fate, lead you down a different path?
Recently, JD Vance made comments suggesting that Americans who do not have children care less about the future of this country. As someone who has always dreamed of being a mom but hasn’t had the chance to fulfill that dream, his words struck a deep chord in me. To suggest that those of us without children are somehow less invested in the future of this nation is not only misguided but deeply offensive.
The desire to nurture, protect, and contribute to the greater good isn’t solely tied to parenthood. Many of us who don’t have children—whether by choice, circumstance, or heartache—still feel a profound responsibility for the well-being of our society, our planet, and future generations. Our lives are filled with love, care, and concern for the world around us. We work hard, we volunteer, we fight for justice, we mentor, we support our communities. These are the acts that build the future, regardless of our parental status.
Vance’s comments also ignore the complex, deeply personal struggles that many people face when it comes to parenthood. The dream of becoming a mother is something I’ve held close for as long as I can remember. But life doesn’t always align with our dreams. To be reminded of that unfulfilled dream, and then told that it diminishes my value or my commitment to the future, is a hurtful oversimplification of the realities that many of us live with every day.
It’s also important to recognize that caring about the future of this country isn’t something that is only motivated by direct, personal stakes. Sure, parents have an immediate connection to the future through their children, but what about the teachers who educate our youth, the activists who fight for a better world, the environmentalists who work to protect our planet for generations to come? Are their contributions less valuable because they don’t have children of their own?
Vance’s narrow view not only disregards the millions of people who contribute to society in countless ways but also perpetuates the harmful notion that our worth is tied to whether or not we become parents. This kind of thinking creates a false divide, pitting parents against the childless, when in reality, we are all working towards the same goal: a better future.
Our lives are enriched in different ways, and our contributions to society are varied. Some of us find fulfillment and purpose in raising children, while others channel their energy into careers, relationships, creativity, or activism. But what unites us all is the desire to leave this world better than we found it.
I care deeply about the future of this country and its citizens. I may not have the privilege of raising a child, but that doesn’t mean I don’t feel the same urgency and responsibility to ensure that the world we leave behind is one where everyone can thrive. My dreams for the future are just as vibrant, my concerns just as real, and my efforts just as meaningful.
To JD Vance and others who share his opinion, I would say this: The future is built by all of us—parents and non-parents alike. We all have a stake in what comes next, and it’s time we recognize the value of every contribution, no matter where it comes from.
xoxoxo
-The Not So Common Gal