In a world that often stereotypes single Black mothers as struggling, unplanned, or unsupported, a growing number of Black women are reclaiming the narrative by choosing to become single mothers on purpose. These women are not just rewriting the script; they’re flipping it entirely, proving that solo parenting can be a conscious, empowered, and joyful journey.

One such trailblazer is JaNa Hines, who writes under the pseudonym A Beloved Woman to both protect her privacy and celebrate the inherent worth of all Black women, regardless of their relationship or parenting status. Her story mirrors that of a rising demographic of Black women who are embracing motherhood with intention and strategy through securing a sperm donor through IVF, and a strong support system, completely by choice.

“According to Pew Research Center, 26% of Black adults say they or someone they know has used fertility treatments (compared to 42% of all U.S. adults).”

The Rise of the Single Mother by Choice (SMC)

JaNa’s journey to motherhood wasn’t a result of a failed relationship or societal pressure. It was a deliberate choice. At 41, she decided that finding a husband shouldn’t be the prerequisite for starting a family. The biological clock was ticking, and instead of racing against time in pursuit of “the one,” she prioritized becoming a parent.

“I consciously chose not to create a baby daddy situation,” she explains. “I didn’t want any of the drama of when parents no longer get along or the potential for disappointing fallout negatively affecting my child.”

Through a combination of IVF and donor material, JaNa became pregnant at age 44 and gave birth to a healthy child. Now an elementary school student, her child knows the truth about their origin, and it started with a simple, powerful question: “Where’s my daddy?”

That question sparked a series of loving, truthful, and age-appropriate conversations that continue today. That same question also ignited the idea for her book, titled How Our Family Was Made (A Love Story for My Child), illustrated in a Romare Bearden-inspired mixed media collage style, to help other families navigate similar conversations.

How Our Family Was Made (A Love Story for My Child)” is a heartfelt, kid-friendly book for single moms by choice to help explain donor conception with love and clarity. [Available on Amazon]

The Growing SMC Movement Among Black Women

Globally, more women are turning to fertility treatments to have children on their own. According to The Guardian, the number of single women in the UK pursuing fertility treatments has more than tripled in the last decade—from 1,400 in 2012 to 4,800 in 2022—now accounting for nearly one in ten treatments. While similar data in the U.S. is harder to come by, fertility clinics across the country report increased demand from single women, especially among Black women. According to Pew Research Center, 26% of Black adults say they or someone they know has used fertility treatments (compared to 42% of all U.S. adults).

A beautiful beginning: JaNa’s journey to motherhood as a single mom by choice, captured in radiant moments from pregnancy to holding her newborn in love.

However, Black women face distinct challenges in this space. One significant barrier is the shortage of Black sperm donors, which limits the options for women who want their children to share their racial or cultural identity. Additionally, insurance often doesn’t cover fertility services for unmarried women, creating yet another financial hurdle. JaNa, for example, had to use funds she had originally saved for a wedding to pay for her fertility treatments out of pocket.

Despite these challenges, Black women continue to lead with resilience and vision. They are redefining what it means to build a family, placing a premium on peace, autonomy, and legacy. For JaNa, choosing motherhood was an act of love and liberation. Her decision was supported by family, friends, her church, and a caring medical team. Together, they helped her create a nurturing, stable environment for her child, without requiring a traditional two-parent household.

Expanding the Definition of Family

As more Black women explore this path, it’s vital to normalize and support the diverse ways families can form. Children like JaNa’s thrive in homes rooted in intention, honesty, and love. When asked, “Where’s my daddy?” her child didn’t get silence or shame—they got a story of choice, medical science, and the fierce desire to become a parent.

Today’s SMCs aren’t rejecting relationships. They’re rejecting the idea that motherhood must wait for one. They are planning, preparing, and parenting with purpose.

Looking Ahead

With shifting political landscapes threatening reproductive rights, especially for marginalized communities, the stories of Black SMCs matter now more than ever. Their choices illuminate a powerful truth: the ability to become a parent should be accessible to all, not only the partnered.

Black women like JaNa are not just raising children. They’re raising the bar for what modern motherhood looks like. And they’re doing it on their own terms.