Single Moms by Choice

For the last three years, four women in New York and New Jersey opened their lives to photographer Jackie Molloy as they struggled to get pregnant, navigated the adoption and foster-care systems, and juggled a new life with children—all on their own. They are single mothers by choice; a growing number of women who choose to become a parent without a partner.

Alexa, Erica, Trewlaney, and Sarah are creating a life that they want. They decided not to wait for a partner to make a family. Even though they are single, the project doesn’t focus on being alone. For each woman, the road to becoming a mother was challenging and complicated, but the results were transformative and joyful.

Far from alone, these women now have children that they share their lives with. Though their families may look unconventional, their stories challenge the norm. The stories focus on the themes of familial strength, perseverance, and above all, love.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Jackie Molloy is an internationally published visual journalist based in New York City. Her work ranges widely from fashion and portraiture, to editorial work and intimate storytelling. Jackie’s photos explore modern families confronting challenges, including transgender rights, fertility issues, foster care, and disability. She is interested in the exploration of how these issues shape family dynamics.

PARTNER BIO

Since 1851, The New York Times has been on the ground reporting stories from around the globe that no one else was telling. How we tell those stories has changed, but our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world has remained constant.

NYT Parenting is for new and expecting parents who want help having and raising kids today. Whether readers are struggling with fertility, or feeling burnt out at home with little kids, in Parenting they find evidence-based guidance and support, backed by the journalistic rigor of The Times.