Ignore the Naysayers: Womanhood and Motherhood are a Blessing
In speaking out against abortion because it kills a human being, I also feel called to speak to the importance of celebrating womanhood, motherhood and family life as deeply fulfilling aspirations for young women to have.
Womanhood and motherhood are under attack.
From French feminist Corinne Maier’s new book “Me First” which exhorts women to be selfish and avoid the trap of marriage and motherhood, to the incorporation of pro-abortion, trans activist Lindz Amer into the Paw Patrol writing team, the very idea of being a woman and our unique capacity to create and nurture a child within our bodies, is under attack.
This week I spoke with Sky’s Rita Panahi about the federal government’s plan to incentivise new mothers back to work as soon as possible based on an erroneous belief that women’s lower workforce participation is due to ‘harmful gender stereotypes’.
I don’t think this is best for new mums or for babies and I particularly take issue with the government’s language which refers to “the burden of care”.
Raising and caring for the next generation is a privilege, not a burden and it’s vital we push back on these insidious attempts to undermine the significance and importance of women and motherhood.
When I was a young woman I often felt confused by the conflicting messages I was receiving.
I was an ambitious young woman but when I met James and fell in love with him in my early 20s, I experienced, for the first time, this inexorable pull to marriage and family.
I didn’t know whether my desire for a big career and for marriage and children would be compatible and in my 20s and 30s, the uncertainty some times felt stressful.
Last week I turned 41 and I reflected on how rich and beautiful my life now is.
I’m so grateful for the blessing of a job that I love and the even bigger blessings of being married to my best friend and to have five beautiful children with him.
In speaking out against abortion because it kills a human being, I also feel called to speak to the importance of celebrating womanhood, motherhood and family life as deeply fulfilling aspirations for young women to have.
___
Republished with thanks to Dr Joanna Howe. Image courtesy of Unsplash.
3 Comments
Leave A Comment
Recent Articles:
23 October 2026
13.1 MINS
Tasmania’s proposed conversion practices legislation raises serious questions about religious freedom, pastoral care and whether Christians can freely pray with those seeking to live according to their faith.
23 October 2026
7.7 MINS
Melbourne Catholic Archbishop Peter Comensoli has spoken out clearly against the deadly promises by both major parties in Victoria ahead of the election, drawing a comparison between abortion and capital punishment.
23 October 2026
3.1 MINS
As Western societies grow more hostile, could abandoning Christianity’s moral foundations be contributing to the rise of ideological extremism, political intolerance and violence?
23 October 2026
5.1 MINS
France’s escalating riots expose the dangers of political extremism, antisemitism and radical alliances, offering America a stark warning about the future of Western democracy.
22 October 2026
2.9 MINS
Victoria Labor’s promise to fund free abortions has drawn a forceful response from Presbyterian leaders, raising profound questions about unborn life, government priorities and Australia’s moral direction.
22 October 2026
4.7 MINS
Western Australia’s proposed anti-discrimination overhaul has sparked warnings from Christian leaders that religious freedom, parental choice and faith-based schools’ ability to uphold their beliefs are at risk.
22 October 2026
2.9 MINS
An Israeli political candidate claiming a remarkable biblical identity has sparked questions about false messiahs, the Antichrist and how Christians should interpret prophecy.
Great message!
Thank you Dr Joanna. What an endorsement of motherhood, of a rich life bringing up children and being married and also standing on God’s values and contributing to the community. What a blessing.
Thankyou Dr Joanna for taking a stand for women who choose to raise the next generation! I have worked most of my life and have just retired at the age of almost 76! I enjoyed my work and I was able to take time off to raise 4 children, all of whom are making a difference to society in their various careers. I count myself as truly blessed because now, in my older years, my children love and care for me in so many ways and I know that they’re only a phone call away! Bless you!