Genesis Fertility Clinic Blog
August 24, 2010Australian Election
Australians are facing a hung parliament as their first female prime minister, Julia Gillard lost her parliamentary majority in Saturday’s election. I watched this election because of the campaign. The opposition’s campaign took issue not just with Ms. Gillard’s policies but for her lifestyle. It seems that women in power are often judged on their appearance and lifestyles. This was true when Ms. Gillard was running. The conservative leader, Tony Abbott, attacked Gillard for having “chosen not to have children” saying this made her unable to “understand the way parents think.”
His comments bother me. Firstly, it’s unknown whether Gillard chose not to have children or is infertile. If she is infertile Mr. Abbott’s comments must certainly hurt. Secondly, I believe having children is not a prerequisite for understanding the needs of families.
Ok, this is tangentially related to infertility but when I read the word “childless” in the newspaper I read on.
Dr. Beth Taylor, MD, FRCSC
Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility
Save to Delicious · Share to Facebook
