Ellie Gonsalves, an Australian model, ignited a heated debate after sharing a detailed list of 118 reasons she has chosen to remain child-free. Gonsalves, 33, posted a screen recording of her list on Instagram, addressing the frequent question of why she doesn’t want children. Her reasons ranged from the lifelong responsibility of parenthood to the ease of traveling without kids. One notable entry humorously noted, “A fetus can pee inside you.”
Her comprehensive list prompted mixed reactions from her followers. While some supported her decision and appreciated her transparency, others criticized her views, labeling her as selfish and ungrateful. Gonsalves defended her position, emphasizing that her decision was based on personal experiences and honest conversations with others. She acknowledged the societal pressure to conform to traditional family roles and argued for the respect of individual choices.
Gonsalves has been in a relationship with her husband, Ross Scutts, for 15 years, and the question of when they would have children has been a constant topic. She stressed the importance of respecting diverse life choices and highlighted the often intrusive nature of such inquiries. Gonsalves pointed out that many Millennials and Gen Z individuals are opting to have children later or not at all, citing career stability and financial considerations as significant factors.
In response to the backlash, Gonsalves reiterated her respect for those who choose to have children and urged for the same understanding toward those who don’t. She condemned the hurtful comments she received and called for a more supportive and respectful dialogue around personal life decisions.
Despite the controversy, Gonsalves remains firm in her stance, advocating for the freedom to choose a child-free life without judgment. She emphasized that her decision does not diminish her happiness or fulfillment and urged others to consider the diverse perspectives on parenthood.
This debate underscores the evolving societal norms and the need for greater acceptance of individual choices. Whether choosing to have children or not, Gonsalves’s story highlights the importance of personal autonomy and the right to live a life that aligns with one’s values and desires.
