Medical professional in hot water over ‘selfish’ comments about women

Women in business are often highly regarded for their ability to multitask, however when it comes to work-life balance it can be difficult to find the right mix.

Further complicating matters is the need to live up to social expectations, which portray women as both a happy mothers and successful career women.

And while many women are able to perform both roles there are also many sacrifices that are made along the way.

For some women this means having to delay childbirth, while others may regard it as a personal choice.

Irrespective of the reasons behind such decision-making, most people would agree that the decision to have children is a deeply personal matter.

However, there are some medical professionals who are concerned by number of Australian women who are having children later in life.

Dr Barry Walters, obstetric physician at King Edward Medical Hospital (KEMH), told local reporters that women who delayed pregnancy were "selfish" – a controversial view that was broadcast around the nation.

Dr Walters supported his claim by identifying risks women may face when they have children at a later stage in life.

These included the likelihood of pregnant women developing illnesses such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

And while such complications may prove serious, of greater concern to the healthcare professional were community attitudes, especially those of women, toward child rearing.

"It is selfish and self-centred of older women to have babies because they are not just babies – they are babies for a little while and they become people," he said.

Dr Walters explained that it was unfair for people to start families later in life due to the strain it placed on their children.

He said: "They are starting out in life, having a family, working, getting mortgages and have to deal with geriatric parents."

It was also suggested that women should have children before the age of 37 by the doctor.

However, the KEMH in Perth, where Dr Walters is employed, has distanced itself from the comments made by one of its senior medical staff.

In a statement released from the hospital this week (October 5) officials said: "KEMH is committed to delivering high quality care to all women attending the hospital."

In addition to promoting a more inclusive approach toward health care the hospital was also quick to contain the views expressed by Dr Walters, arguing instead that his comments were reflective of an individual opinion and not those of the hospital or the wider medical community.

It is yet to be seen how women lobby groups or spokespersons may respond to the issue.