A majority of private fertility clinics say that the number of women having children alone has gone up. Women wanting to use donor sperm in order to get pregnant are usually well over 30 years of age and reasonably well-off.
The decision to have a baby alone is usually made after much thought and deliberation. Treatments are expensive with no support from social services. Some women end up having more than one attempt of fertilisation before becoming pregnant so the pressure is huge.
Anja, who has been a single parent for 13 years, began having fertility treatments three years ago.
”It was surprisingly stressful as I didn’t get pregnant after my first course of treatments. The disappointment was huge as I wanted another child so badly.”
Lone Mums Want More Support
Like many women in her situation, Anja has sought support from an internet forum aimed for women having children alone. These women often face harsh criticism from other mums and society.
”I really hope we can slowly let go of the old family model where there is a mum, a dad and children. Because not everyone fits into this model”, Anja says.