Andy Prosserman will never be a father — and he couldn’t be more delighted.
The 31-year-old Torontonian commemorated his recent vasectomy with a celebratory photo shoot. In one photo, he tenderly cradles a head of kale like a green, leafy infant. In others, he clutches a bottle of scotch, a Nintendo controller, and his Canadian passport — all things he’ll have time to enjoy in the absence of parental responsibilities.
“I’ve known I didn’t want to be a father as far back as I can remember,” says Prosserman. “I’d thought about getting a vasectomy when I was in my early 20s. I chose not to do it at that point because I knew things could change and that it would’ve been irresponsible to do it that young, but I’ve always assumed I’d do it at some point. And here we are.”
Unlike Prosserman, Cam Nursall came to his realization gradually.
“I have zero paternal instinct,” says the 25-year-old, currently in consultation for a vasectomy. “I want to travel, I want to open a small brewery, I want to ride across the continent on my motorcycle, and kids just don’t fit into that.”
“There was no hesitation or anything from (my doctor),” says Prosserman.
The choice about whether or not to have children is among the most important we make. If parenthood is ultimately not for us, there are myriad options available to us, including permanent sterilization.
But young people’s choices about their own bodies and futures aren’t always taken seriously — especially the choices of young women.