Among the elementary human stories, parenthood has tended to go without saying. Compared to the spectacular attachments of romantic love, it is only the routine sequel. Compared to the passions of childhood, it is just a background. But in recent decades far-reaching changes in typical family forms and in procreative possibilities (through reproductive technologies) have engendered new parental stories and questions. Why do people want (or not want, or want not) to be parents? Howhas the 'choice' enabled by contraception changed the meaning of parenthood? Today, parenthood may be sought as a matter of personal fulfilment, for both men and women, gay and straight people, individuals and couples.Ranging between contemporary and historical arguments and literature, this book explores paradigmatic orientations to parenthood-as desired, rejected, shameful, or simply accepted. In showing up unexpected continuities and differences, it offers fresh angles and arguments for thinking about parenthood today.