For three years, four women, Sarah, Erica, Alexa and Trelawney opened their lives to me as they struggled to get pregnant, navigated the adoption and foster-care systems and juggled a new life with children — all on their own. They are single mothers by choice, a growing number of women who choose to become a parent without a partner.
These four women decided not to wait for a partner to start their family. Even though they are “single,” the project doesn’t focus on being alone. For each woman, the road to becoming a mother was challenging and complicated, but the results were transformative and joyful.
Far from alone, these women now have children that they can share their life with. Though their families may look “unconventional,” their stories challenge the norm.
The stories below focus on the themes of familial strength, perseverance and, above all, love.
Read the full story in The New York Times: Photos and Writing by Jackie Molloy
