'Tying my tubes to stay child-free' | The Conversation | BBC Focus on Africa

The UNFPA has warned that human fertility rates are facing an ‘unprecedented decline' across the globe. In a recent report, it said that many people are having fewer children than they want, or none at all, because of factors like the cost of living and difficulties finding a suitable partner. At the same time, some people are actively choosing a child-free life, and more women are now opting for sterilisation procedures like tubal ligation. Focus on Africa podcast host, Nkechi Ogbonna, spoke to 29-year-old Nelly Naisula Sironka, who has chosen to be child-free and underwent tubal ligation in 2024. 00:00-00:30 Coming up 00:30-01:30 The child-free movement on social media 01:30-02:57 Nelly's decision to be child-free 02:57-04:10 What influenced her decision 04:10-05:45 The decision to tie her tubes 05:45-06:53 Is Nelly worried she might change her mind? 06:53-08:07 The stigma around being child-free 08:08--08:50 Other contraceptive methods Nelly tried 08:50-09:52 What was the tubal ligation procedure like? 09:52-15:14 What is dating like? 15:14-16:49 The reaction from her family 16:49-17:47 Nelly's mental and physical health after the procedure 17:47-18.36 Hearing from men who are child-free 18.36-20.24 Reactions from social media 20.24-23:16 Why are more people choosing a child-free Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Carolyne Kiambo and Fana Negash Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editors: Maryam Abdalla and Sam Murunga #childfree #theconversation #bbcafrica Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/