I’ve been told that if I could discuss antinatalism, doesn’t mean that I should. I wasn’t presented with compelling reasons for remaining silent on the subject but here is why I believe talking about antinatalism is not only appropriate but necessary.

To be clear, antinatalism is unlikely to achieve widespread acceptance—a reality acknowledged by David Benatar in his book, “Better Never to Have Been.” The objective is not to persuade the world to accept antinatalism (though that would be good), but rather to foster open discussion and encourage differing perspectives. The success of this dialogue depends on you, the reader, and your willingness to engage.

Antinatalism does not inflict harm on anyone. While some may find the topic offensive, discussing it does not result in anyone losing employment or having their possessions taken away. Participation in this conversation is entirely voluntary—you may engage as much or as little as you would like. For those contemplating parenthood, antinatalism introduces a moral question, not a legal one. There is no law prohibiting procreation; instead, it is a matter of moral reflection, especially when the well-being of a potential human life is at stake.

Wouldn’t you want to consider what kind of life awaits your child? Is it not worthwhile to examine the potential harms of existence from all possible angles? Antinatalism delves into these questions with depth and clarity. Even if you disagree with its premises, your objections are valuable and welcome in the broader discussion.

Throughout history, many important topics have been suppressed or deemed controversial. For long periods, discussions around women’s rights were taboo, controversial, or even considered dangerous in various societies. In a similar vein, antinatalism might be seen as a contentious subject today. Nevertheless, discussing uncomfortable ideas is vital—only through open scrutiny can such concepts be tested, challenged, and either dismissed or validated.

On a personal note, I am convinced that antinatalism is an important truth. In a time where “my truth” vs “your truth” has become common, antinatalism stands out for its philosophical rigour and the community of thinkers and adherents who contribute to the conversation. To date, I have not encountered an argument that successfully disproves the philosophy.