Is Childfree Ethically Justifiable? Raboan Discussion Forum by CBMH FK-KMK UGM Explores Childfree and Reproductive Choices

Speaker’s presentation

The Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities (CBMH), Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FK-KMK UGM), held its regular Raboan Discussion Forum online via Zoom on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. This session brought up the topic “Childfree Movement: Philosophical Justification and Proposed Resolution,” featuring Albert Adiputra, S.Si., M.Sc., an alumnus of the Master of Bioethics Program at UGM, as the main speaker. The discussion was moderated by Mahmasoni Masdar, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kep., who is also active in the field of nursing and bioethics.

The topic was chosen in response to the growing number of people considering the decision not to have children—a concept known as childfree. In his presentation, Albert explained that such a decision may be influenced by various factors, including personal, economic, and environmental considerations, as well as individual values. The discussion also explored the philosophical concept of antinatalism, which encourages deeper reflection on the ethical dimensions of bringing new life into the world.

Discussion session with participant

Another aspect highlighted in the forum was the strong influence of cultural and social norms in many societies, including Indonesia, which often emphasize the expectation to have children. Social and familial pressure can make choices like childfree difficult to accept. This is why forums like Raboan are essential, as they create space for open dialogue and mutual understanding.

From the perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this topic is relevant to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). Reproductive choices, including the decision to remain childfree, can be viewed through the lens of reproductive health rights, gender equality in decision-making, and awareness of ecological impacts linked to population growth.

The forum did not aim to promote or reject any particular stance but rather to help participants understand the complexity behind reproductive choices. By presenting a range of perspectives, the discussion encouraged a respectful culture of dialogue and a deeper appreciation of diverse values and life decisions within an evolving society.

Reporter: Alvira Rahmasari, S.H.G.
Editor: Rafi Khairuna Wibisono, S.Kom.