Gloria Steinem, Architect of Second-Wave Feminism, Dies at 92

In a 2025 interview, just a year before her passing, Steinem reflected on her decision not to have children. She expressed admiration for those who raised families, particularly single mothers, but maintained she felt no personal regret. She often traced this perspective to her childhood, during which she served as a primary caregiver for her ailing mother. She noted that many who spend their youth looking after adults often feel little desire to repeat that role, regardless of the different circumstances of parenthood.

Steinem’s public stance on the subject remained consistent for decades. As early as 2016, she told People magazine that she had not experienced a single moment of remorse for her choice, arguing that motherhood should be a genuine option rather than a societal mandate. Her final public reflections, shared in an interview for Netflix, shifted toward the broader legacy of her activism. She resisted being cast as the movement's singular figurehead, suggesting her prominence was largely a result of her longevity in the public eye. Instead, she urged her supporters to move away from idolizing individuals and toward fostering a diverse, interconnected global community. Following the news of her death, tributes arrived from figures including Hillary Clinton and Meghan Markle, both of whom credited Steinem with shaping their understanding of institutional barriers and personal agency.