What would happen to the fate of the human race if women around the world gradually stopped choosing motherhood? At first, this may sound like an unusual question, but it is not entirely unrealistic. If we look closely, the signs are already visible. In many countries and regions, birth rates are falling. More women are delaying childbirth, and some are choosing not to have children at all. If this trend continues over time, it quietly raises a serious question about the future of human existence.
Let us think about it simply and realistically. If no new children are born from today, how long would the human race or humanity continue?
One way to understand this is through the human lifespan. Very few people live up to 120 years. Most of the people alive today will likely pass away within the next 100 years. After that, perhaps a small number of very elderly people might survive for another 10 to 20 years. But they would be living in a world without a working population or younger generation – no children, no caregivers, no support system. In such a bleak reality, even basic survival would become difficult. Loneliness, age-related complications, and lack of support could make their final years even harder.
The global population is now more than 8 billion (800 crores). Yearly, around 13 crore (130 million) children are born and around 6 crore and 50 lakh (65 million) people die each year. If no new children are born and this pattern continues, dividing 8 billion by 65 million gives us approximately 123 years. In other words, the entire human population could vanish within that time. So, from both perspectives – lifespan and annual deaths – we arrive at the same conclusion: without new births, the human population could reach zero in about 123 years.
This brings us to a deeper and more human question: motherhood. The continuation of human life depends on women choosing to become mothers. But this choice is not simple, nor is it always easy. Even when the wish exists, the journey is demanding. Pregnancy involves physical and emotional strain and uncertainty. Childbirth can be painful, risky and stressful. After that comes the long and often exhausting responsibility – raising a child through sleepless nights, financial pressure, career interruptions, and constant care. In most cases, women carry the greater share of this responsibility, often without enough support from family, friends, society or workplace structures. And yet, despite all these challenges, many women still choose motherhood because of the deep emotional connection, the sense of purpose and the unique bond it offers. However, if the weight of these challenges continues to grow and support remains limited, that willingness may slowly begin to weaken.
It is key to understand that motherhood cannot be imposed. It is a personal choice, shaped by circumstances, values, and lived realities. But at the same time, it is also a decision that quietly affects the very existence of the human race.
No matter how advanced technology becomes, it cannot replace natural human birth. Science, innovation, and artificial systems can support life – but they cannot continue the human race without new generations. If more women gradually step away from motherhood, the consequences may reach far beyond individual choices. This is not about fear, but reflection. Are we truly supporting women in becoming mothers, or simply expecting it? In the end, the future of the human race may depend on this simple yet powerful choice. If that willingness fades, even within a century, humanity itself could quietly disappear.
As today (May 10) is International Mother’s Day, this question feels even more relevant. Beyond the flowers and celebrations, the day reminds us that motherhood is not just a role, but a choice that sustains the human race.
The writer is a journalist
