Model Ellie Gonsalves responds to backlash after listing 'reasons to remain childfree'

Australian model Ellie Gonsalves has responded to backlash she's received after posting an Instagram story sharing 117 reasons she "doesn't want kids."

"I've addressed a lot of this in my stories before & it's opened up a LOT of discussion... there's thousands of people out there who feel very seen by this & equally as many who feel very triggered by it," Gonsalves, 33, writes.

"So, let's talk about it in depth with no filter... "MY REASONS TO REMAIN CHILDFREE."

Watch the video above.

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"I had many people saying to me today (out of love) 'are you sure you want to post this list? I have also already received hundreds of dms critisising me tell me [sic] how much of a horrible & broken person that I am.

"And while some of those things on my list are satirical, many are serious and factual."

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Gonsalves continues, "Societal pressure when it comes to this topic are truly questionable & I believe unfair towards those with differing opinions & very rarely do we see a voice in support of this... because let's face it, the public backlash can be too much.

"As someone in a 15 year relationship, I have had this question for almost that entire time & it's probably the most frequent on I get," she continues.

"Sometimes I can answer it & those asking it are respectful & understand that they are my opinions & views, I can probably count those experiences on one hand."

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She admits some of the comments have hurt, as she has been "made to feel ashamed for my opinion & been made to feel like I am a bad person for my personal opinion that I know works for me & my life."

She then urges her critics to take care when commenting on this topic.

"I get it, I understand that's how that person feels, but I don't need to accept it & I certainly don't need to accept the pressure that comes along with a loaded question, coming from someone who is clearly living a different life to me by either wanting children, having children or who has children."

Gonsalves she "can't see [herself] ever accepting" the responsibility that comes with having children.

"I can't remember a time when I have asked someone if they wanted kids & they have said they don't want kids & I have responded trying to tell them otherwise."

Alternatively, Gonsalves says she "can't ever remember not being happy for a friend or someone who is wanting to get pregnant, who is pregnant or who has kids."

"I do however find it hurtful when I see people who do feel pressured to make this decision based on friends, family & societal pressures," she adds, which she says she knows "all too well because I have felt it, & have felt it for most of my life."

Gonsalves says she feels there is a "double standard" that sees women's choice to have kids largely unquestioningly accepted, but if they don't want children, their choice is not accepted leaving them feeling like they are "not enough" and "different."

She then pledged to stand by women who are childfree by choice, many of whom are steeling themselves ahead of family gatherings this festive season.

"I believe I have the right to share my position & be supportive of those who want children, have children or are having children & I am equally going to support someone who doesn't want to be a parent," she shares.

She ends her post by saying: "I do think it's unnecessary, often cruel and most times hurtful to make anyone feel less than for choosing something different to this."