Childless

Childless

Childless (/ˈtʃaɪldlɪs/), from the Old English cildlēas, is a term used to describe individuals or couples who do not have children, either by choice or due to circumstances beyond their control.

Etymology

The term "childless" is derived from the Old English cild, meaning "child", and -lēas, meaning "without". It has been in use since the 14th century.

Related Terms

• Childfree: Refers to those who choose not to have children.
• Infertility: A medical condition that affects the ability to conceive children.
• Adoption: The process of taking on the legal and social responsibilities of parenting another individual's child.
• Foster care: A system in which a minor has been placed into a ward, group home, or private home of a state-certified caregiver, referred to as a "foster parent" or with a family member approved by the state.
• Surrogacy: An arrangement, often supported by a legal agreement, whereby a woman (the surrogate mother) agrees to bear a child for another person or persons, who will become the child's parent(s) after birth.

See Also

• Family structure
• Demographics of childlessness
• Societal attitudes towards childlessness

References

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Childless
• Wikipedia's article - Childless

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