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Counter-Point:
"Procreation" Is Not a Bad Word

By Erica Fredericks

The animal rights and eco movements are notorious for their criticism of human breeding.

Why do we create such divisions among people working toward the same goal? Are my actions on behalf of animals somehow less pure because I have chosen simultaneously to create human life? Has this rendered my activism less potent? I think not. In fact, I believe that not only have I, by having children, not obstructed the path to animal liberation, but, perhaps, I have helped to pave that road.

While we spend countless hours visiting schools trying to impart our message to our youth, in one fell swoop I have given the animals two more messengers. Rather than banking on other people's children, why not create our own little army of animal advocates?
What could be more natural than having a child? The will to survive is our most basic instinct. We guard our lives jealously, aware that our presence on this earth is contingent upon our reproduction. Biologically, we are programmed for long-term species survival. While our minds may remind us that we suffer no threat of extinction, our bodies and hearts know no such logic. They are programmed to want a child. To deny someone the fulfillment of what is arguably the most basic, unrelenting longing, is both callous and unreasonable.

Many people believe that bringing yet another human life into this world is selfish, but I feel the exact opposite. Having children has taught me the true meaning of altruism, and, luckily for them, my new sentiments have extended themselves towards the earth and her creatures.

Since having my children, I have experienced compassion, empathy, sacrifice, and love at depths far greater than I thought possible. I now know what it is to be truly at another's service, holding a life so sacred that I extend myself towards it fully. These lessons have become gifts to the animals for whom I work; rather than detracting from my ability to act within the animal rights movement, they have strengthened and inspired me.

It is not just I who has emerged from this mother-child partnership a stronger advocate for the animals. My children, to whom I am imparting all of my wisdom and values, are already using their voices on behalf of the voiceless. The world now has two more members willing to stand up for the animals. While we spend countless hours visiting schools trying to impart our message to our youth, in one fell swoop I have given the animals two more messengers. Rather than banking on other people's children, why not create our own little army of animal advocates?

People often ask me why I did not choose adoption. While I readily admit that adoption can fulfill many people's needs, there are several undeniable differences between it and having one's own biological children. The first—the natural urge to reproduce—I have already discussed. A second issue is one of health, and, while it may be deemed selfish and peripheral by some, it is extremely relevant to many women. It has been found that higher estrogen levels are linked to increased risk of breast cancer. Child-bearing reduces a woman's estrogen levels, perhaps, as I suspect, reflecting our natural conditioning toward child-bearing.

Finally, for some, adoption simply involves too much bureaucracy. Adoption in this country can be a nightmare. Countless couples, despite their clear predisposition toward wonderful parenting, have been locked out of the adoption system. When, in this case, they turn to natural reproduction options, can we rightfully deny them this choice? What right have we to deny them the fulfillment of so many dreams and desires?

As such, I choose to bring into this world two beings from my own body—to learn and grow and, one day, surpass me in my own activism for the animals.

ERICA FREDERICKS is a vegan activist and mother of two living in Richmond, Va.

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