It seems to have become fashionable among Gen X-ers, roughly defined as those born between 1962 and 1980, to delay starting their families until they are pushing (or even dragging) age 40. I guess it’s not a surprise, since this cohort has been described as a generation who refuses to grow up, that they are trying to delay responsibility and live like arrested development cases, but all this live-for-today partying, jetting off for getaway weekends at a moment’s notice and spending your DINK (Double Income No Kids) disposable income on high-tech toys is not without a cost. When the time comes, and you are ready to pull the trigger on having those kids, you may discover that the physiologically the window is slamming shut.
You can forgive these women for being confused, particularly those who regularly wallow in the popular culture. As this story about declining fertility in the Liberal Death Star (the New York Times), “Fertility is a Matter of Age, No Matter How Young a Woman Looks,” notes,
The unreality is reinforced by Hollywood, much to the growing dismay of many obstetricians and gynecologists. Not only are stars in their 40s now celebrated as bona fide sex symbols (Julia Roberts, Halle Berry, Salma Hayek, the list goes on), but judging from media coverage, they seem to be reproducing like rabbits.
“All women see is celebrities over 40 getting pregnant,” lamented Shari Brasner, a New York obstetrician and gynecologist.
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