The Radical Choice of Child-Free Living

In the late 1960s, Merle Bombardieri faced a life-altering decision when her boyfriend proposed marriage, and she declined due to her desire to remain child-free. At that time, societal expectations heavily favored motherhood, making her choice radical and controversial, especially within her family and cultural background. Despite her deep love for Rocco, she recognized the importance of aligning their aspirations for the future, particularly regarding parenthood. This choice initiated a thorough exploration into her feelings about motherhood, reflecting a period of significant internal conflict as she navigated the societal pressures that women faced in that era.