During a recent appearance on the Big Tigger Morning Show, actress Issa Rae got candid about her thoughts on having a child at this point in her career. 

When it comes to having children, Rae admitted that she is still a little fearful about getting pregnant due to the effects it could possibly on her work.

“I don’t want to be slowed down for any reason. And, my friends are like, ‘Girl, it’s not gone slow you down it’s fine.’ But I don’t believe them,” she said.  

Rae’s admission sparked some lively conversations on social media, with many users applauding the actress for being so open and honest about her feelings around having children.

Waiting for Motherhood

The Insecure star’s viewpoint is actually part of a larger trend that has seen American women waiting longer to have children as they prioritize life goals around their careers and education.

This postponing of motherhood has included many women making the decision to freeze their eggs in order to offer them additional flexibility when it comes to their pregnancy options. 

Issues around Black women’s maternal health crisis have also added to the questions and concerns some Black women have regarding motherhood.

Rae has previously denied pregnancy rumors aimed at her. The actress slammed the accusations in 2022 on her Twitter account.

“I am not pregnant, f—youverymuch,” she wrote in the now-deleted tweet.

In an interview with Self in September 2021, she echoed her thoughts on having children and why she is prioritizing her career at the moment.

“I’m extremely happy. I like my life, I like this selfishness, and I know that I have a window,” Rae said in the interview. “I’ve always felt that way, that women, Black women especially — unless you’re Viola Davis or Angela Bassett — you have a window when people are going to want to continue to see you and see what you can do.”

“Then there are so many limitations placed upon you, and that does keep me up. I want to do as much as I can while I still can,” she continued. “I know it’s not the proper mentality to think that kids will slow you down, but I do feel that way.”

Rae is married to her longtime partner, Louis Diame. The duo tied the knot back in July 2021.