It’s funny how society still worries about young women “getting pregnant,” as if we’re all reckless. The truth is, millennial women have more access, education, and control over our reproductive choices than previous generations ever did. Contraception, fertility tracking apps, and comprehensive sex education mean that unplanned pregnancies are far less common than people assume.

Most millennial women plan their pregnancies intentionally, timing them for when they feel ready—emotionally, financially, and relationally. Yes, some pregnancies are unplanned, but that number is smaller than what older generations experienced at the same age. We think about the future and make choices that reflect what we truly want for our lives, not just what society expects.

And here’s a twist: while older generations often got married before or after a child was born to save face or maintain a family image, millennial women are more likely to wait until they are married and prepared before having their first baby. Intentionality isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a lifestyle. And yet, people still judge us, assuming we’ll become “babymommas.” The irony is that in many ways, we’re the most careful, deliberate generation yet.