Reality TV star Mercy Eke is charting her own path to motherhood, revealing that she’s prepared to raise children without being married.

In a recent interview, Mercy spoke about her independence and determination, saying she’s built a life that allows her to care for herself and is ready to extend that care to her future children. She hopes to have three kids—two girls and a boy—but emphasized that marriage isn’t a prerequisite for her.

Mercy noted that the stigma around having children outside of marriage mostly affects those who aren’t financially secure, and she’s determined to challenge that perception.

She said:
“I’m ready to have a child outside marriage. This year I wanted to have a baby, something happened, and I had to choose between that and the baby. At this point, I think if I get pregnant now, I’m just going to have my baby. I’ve worked so hard, and I think I can take care of myself and three kids. I’m a goal-oriented person that always sets things ahead for myself.”

She added:
“For me, what people don’t know is all this stigma of having kids without a father is only applied to people who don’t have things going on well for them.”