OPPOSITION Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar's Mother's Day message urging young women to consider motherhood has sparked debate among members of the public, with opinions sharply divided.

In her May 11 message, Persad-Bissessar said one of the most fulfilling feelings is the happiness and joy experienced 'when you return to a home of happy children."

She said it was possible to balance career aspirations with family life and encouraged women not to view motherhood as a hindrance to their professional goals.

'As the years go by and women surpass 40 years and older, social life slows and friends get married, moving on with their own families. While you may have achieved your career goals, life without a family and children may get very lonely as you get older.

'Without familial love, money, and achievements become worthless when loneliness envelops your older years. All humans need love and companionship to achieve their fullest potential. Women, in particular, have an inherent drive to nurture and care. It is very possible to have a career and be a mother at the same time - you don't have to choose between them.'

However, members of the public are divided on Persad-Bissessar's sentiments.

Speaking with Newsday on Monday, Emma Rampersad, a corporate lawyer, criticised the message, saying it sets women back a century and undermines career-driven aspirations.

'We are already a low-class economy. Why are we pushing women to have babies instead of careers? Things are difficult in our economy.'

Rampersad added that increasing reports of domestic violence had made women uneasy about having children. She cited the brutal murders of four-year-old Amarah Lallitte and five-year-old Jamal Grant.

'Remember just the other day when little Amarah had her head cut off by her relative? The mother said he never had a track record of being violent. Or remember in 2008 when Jamal Grant was bludgeoned to death by his step-father who was sentenced in 2019?

'Women think they know their partners, but there's always another side to some of them. It's a reality some women are understanding now and it's made them apprehensive.'

Celine Paul, a 20-year-old law student, offered a nuanced perspective, acknowledging the importance of balance.

'She does have a point. I want kids one day and a successful career. I don't see why I can't have it both ways. Once you know what to prioritise and have the right support system, it's possible.'

Nicole Gonzales, a 38-year-old neuropsychologist, however, says bringing a child into the world now is risky given challenges in TT's health-care system.

'I had a stillborn child and almost lost my life during the whole process when I went through the public health-care system which most women in the country use considering the cost of private health care.'

Gonzales questioned the public system's reliability in light of the death of seven babies who died at the Port of Spain General Hospital (PoSGH) neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the beginning of April.

'Look at what happened