Trying to keep up with the latest and greatest happenings of feminism isn't as easy as it used to be. In the days of screeching, butch-cutted lesbians, feminism was simply the vocal hatred of men. Ironic because the "ladies" of the movement did their best to emulate men. But feminism has, like all movements born from radical leftism, wound its tendrils into every aspect of our culture (see Glamour, ‘Gotham’ and Phony ‘Transgender’ Feminism. Here’s Why You’re Hurting Women… and Dear Weak, Pathetic Women: Modern Feminism is for YOU!). Now its found itself placenta deep into maternal leave. Lord knows we always have a lot of material to work with. But, 'MEternity?'

Yes, women (or probably womyn) who don't want kids want to be allowed to go on maternity leave and think it's not fair only pregnant women get to. Fetal-carrying-privilege.

No, seriously. This is an actual thing now. Here, watch this video...

A woman's idea of a "meternity" - a maternity leave minus the baby - has gotten her on the wrong side of mothers.

Meghann Foye's novel, Meternity, is the fictional tale of a woman who fakes a pregnancy in order to get time off work. The book was recently published by Harlequin's Mira imprint.

The book may not have inspired the vitriol, or gotten as much attention, if not for the author's New York Post column, titled "I want all the perks of maternity leave - without having any kids."

"It seemed that parenthood was the only path that provided a modicum of flexibility," Foye wrote. "There’s something about saying 'I need to go pick up my child' as a reason to leave the office on time that has far more gravitas than, say, 'My best friend just got ghosted by her OkCupid date and needs a margarita' - but both sides are valid."

She described how the "meternity" idea came about and argues that people who don't have kids need time away from work, too.

Let's note the idea came about firstly from a work of fiction. Then the author decided to bring it into reality for a little "art imitates the life I'm about to be scolded for," idea.

It's likely I'm going to get a lot of rage for this, but I don't care. Trigger-warning: single person rant. I don't know how many times people at work leave early, take time off, and get to excuse not doing something because of their children. Sorry ladies, most of the time it's you. You know who can't use that "my kid did blah" excuse? Those of us without kids. So on the one hand, I do understand how Ms. Foye's idea got started. I used to think I should take up smoking for all the smoke breaks smokers would take. Seems if you're childless and smoke-free in the work place? Yeah, you work more.

NOW, before you mommies get on my case, the flip side: raising children is a good thing. Sometimes those of us who work just wish you'd pick one or the other. The job or raising the kid. Going halvsies screws everybody. Oh snap, trigger-warning: harsh judgement. Of course some of you ladies don't have a choice, you have to work for the money. So along comes Meghann Foye who also wants time off work.

Welcome to the can of felt-covered worms opened with a Fischer Price can-opener. Why do you mommies get to take tons of time off from your jobs and everyone else can't? Don't be martyrs about this one, mommies. Your time is valuable. But so is the time of people without children.

So who's right? Faye or maternity leave for mommies only? Personally, I'm against the whole idea of anyone taking off work for months at a time, for the company to hold that position open for you while you're out raising your child, only for you to come back and be in and out of the office to take care of baby. I'm just not sure how that whole "equality" thing plays out with maternity leave, if dad's don't also have the three to six month "paternity" leave. Though I know some companies are moving that way.

As for "MEternity" it used to be called a "sabbatical." Or just quitting your job. If you want three months off work but can't afford not to have a job, maybe it's time to switch careers. Also, if you're a feminist, wasn't the whole wonderful idea of the movement supposed to be how women having a career is awesome-sauce? Are some women now saying they want to NOT GO TO WORK? For three months at a time?

Careful ladies. Your movement may unravel by showing how much you don't want to work anymore.

Written by Courtney Kirchoff

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