Why Gloria Steinem Decided Not to Have Kids Throughout Her Life

Gloria Steinem, a distinguished figure in the feminist movement, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on September 2, 2023. Known for her passionate advocacy for women’s rights and her steadfast commitment to social and political change, Steinem’s death marked the end of an era for many who were inspired by her work. A post on her official Instagram account, shared with Gloria’s Foundation, confirmed her passing at her home in New York City.

Steinem’s life choices were often scrutinised, particularly her decision to remain childless and unmarried for a significant portion of her life. While she did marry David Bale, the father of actor Christian Bale, in 2000, the marriage ended with his death in 2003 after a battle with brain lymphoma. Throughout her career, Steinem was a vocal critic of traditional marital norms and the pressures they place on women, arguing that society should not impose an expectation to have children or marry.

In 2020, Steinem gave voice to her perspective during an appearance on Elizabeth Day’s podcast, “How to Fail.” She addressed common assumptions regarding her lack of maternal experience, stating, “People assume I must be unhappy or unfulfilled.” She pointed out that such presumptions often do not apply to men who choose a similar path. Her unwavering stance was that a woman’s life need not conform to societal expectations.

Steinem frequently highlighted the importance of choice, asserting that the decision to have children should not be a mandated path for all women. In a 2011 interview with Chelsea Handler on “Chelsea Lately,” she remarked, “Everybody does not have to live in the same way,” further elucidating that not every person with the ability to bear children is obligated to do so.

When discussing the ongoing struggle for equality in the domestic sphere, Steinem reflected on the societal constructs that often bind women. During a conversation with author Cheryl Strayed in 2015, she noted, “Raising children or being raised to raise children is the way men become whole people, just as we become whole by being active in the world outside the home.” Her words emphasised a shared humanity, promoting the idea that both men and women should cultivate a range of qualities essential for personal growth.

In a 2016 discussion with Handler for a Netflix special featuring comedian Sarah Silverman, Steinem affirmed her satisfaction with her life choices. “Not for a millisecond, I have to say,” she laughed when asked about her feelings regarding not having children. She reiterated that having kids should remain a personal choice rather than a societal expectation. The essence of her argument was clear: choice is at the heart of personal fulfilment.

Steinem often commended those women who had children, particularly those who did so without adequate support from partners. In a 2025 interview with Jones Road Beauty, she reflected on her experiences and the decisions she made throughout her life. “I admire women who have raised children maybe not with the equal help of men frequently,” she said, acknowledging the considerable effort and resilience it takes to navigate such challenges.

Though she never bore children, Steinem was acutely aware of societal pressures and the dynamics of gender roles. She observed that her upbringing as a caregiver for her ill mother may have contributed to her decision not to have children herself. It is a sentiment echoed by others who have taken on familial responsibilities early in life; they often seek to escape similar scenarios.

Among her many contributions, Steinem’s work remains a cornerstone in the fight for women’s rights and the re-examination of traditional gender roles. Through her advocacy, she encouraged countless women to assert their autonomy and pursue lives that resonate with their personal values. While she has left an indelible mark on the feminist landscape, her legacy lives on in the continued struggle for choice and equality. Gloria Steinem’s journey serves as a testament to the power of individual decisions in shaping one’s life and the world around them.