Finally! An article embracing the concept of the new feminism — “‘New Feminism' Is Pro-Motherhood, Says ‘Endow'” (May 9-15).

The old feminism widely promulgated the myth that women could “have it all.” Birth control, sterilization and abortion were widely touted as the way to achieve that means. Limiting your children and terminating “unplanned” pregnancies, according to feminists, ensured that women were equal to men, especially in the workplace. Women who welcomed life yet wished to continue their careers often left child care to institutional day care, nannies and sitters, thus leaving one of a parent's most important jobs to someone else for a large chunk of the week.

By contrast, the new feminism embraces the whole dignity of the woman, both in her life-giving capacities as well as to what she can offer society through both her skills and intellect.

What is missing, tragically, are work-place opportunities that afford a woman ample opportunities to do just that — raise children and succeed at a career — without sacrificing either. Women can sequence (raise children first, establish a career later, if so desired), but for women who desire to do both at the same time, options are extremely limited. While work choices such as part-time hours and job sharing help to better establish a work-life balance for women who desire such options, few employers in corporate America offer such opportunities. When such options exist, it is often only a form of window-shopping. Employees who do not “play by the rules” i.e., full-time employment) are often not considered “serious team players.” Their professional lives often suffer seriously as a result.

Women who desire to work part-time to find a better balance in their lives are often left with such choices as menial labor, odd shifts, low wages and few, if any, benefits. Where are the choices for professional women who desire to raise their children while establishing a career at the same time, albeit with a shorter workweek in order to better accomplish both? Working 40 to 50 hours a week in most professions leaves little quality time to spend with one's children.

Many women would welcome the opportunity to work shorter workweeks in order to have more time to raise their children, if better part-time skilled/professional opportunities were made available. Unless they're willing to work a part-time job for which they're far overqualified, professional women currently have few choices that let them balance children and career. It's time for a change.

L.A. GRIBLE

Akron, Ohio