This study focuses on childbearing among living Apart Together (LATs) in Iran and examines the duality of having or not having children, as well as the associated challenges. The research adopts a qualitative methodology based on Charmaz’s constructivist grounded theory approach. Data were collected through in-depth, exploratory interviews with 22 LATs (8 men and 14 women) and analyzed through three (Initial, Focused, Theoretical) stages of coding. The findings indicate that childbearing within LATs is not a simple individual decision but rather a complex, multilayered process shaped cultural, social, economic, and personal factors. Participants’ narratives reveal two contrasting perspectives: some regard childbearing as a social and familial necessity and accept it despite existing constraints, while others consider having children a personal choice dependent on individual priorities, career aspirations, and financial considerations. The main challenges identified include the heavy burden of parenting responsibilities - particularly for women - emotional and psychological vulnerabilities among children due to the absence of one parent, difficulties in childrearing without adequate support networks, and dependence on extended families. At the same time, some LATs develop innovative forms of parenting and family life by drawing on family support, long-distance communication, and lived experiences. The findings suggest that childbearing in LATs represents a highly challenging domain, situated at the intersection of traditional values, social transformations, and individual agency, requiring creative and flexible management strategies.

This study focuses on childbearing among living Apart Together (LATs) in Iran and examines the duality of having or not having children, as well as the associated challenges. The research adopts a qualitative methodology based on Charmaz’s constructivist grounded theory approach. Data were collected through in-depth, exploratory interviews with 22 LATs (8 men and 14 women) and analyzed through three (Initial, Focused, Theoretical) stages of coding. The findings indicate that childbearing within LATs is not a simple individual decision but rather a complex, multilayered process shaped cultural, social, economic, and personal factors. Participants’ narratives reveal two contrasting perspectives: some regard childbearing as a social and familial necessity and accept it despite existing constraints, while others consider having children a personal choice dependent on individual priorities,