Being a guy, I am definitely not the most qualified to answer this question. However, we have two females (including one chief) in our program and since we're a pretty tight-knit bunch the topic of women in ortho has come up.
First, the two females in our program are two of my absolute favorite to work with. The have great attitudes, work hard, are smarter than most of the guys, and most importantly, they put up with all the crap the guys say without getting offended. In return, I think everyone respects them. I never hear any of the guys say things about their gender behind their backs.
In talking to one of the girls at our program the topic of children once came up. She said she would've loved to have gotten started but she knew going into ortho that it would be nearly impossible. As women are already uncommon in ortho, she knew she would be closely scrutinized - had she gotten pregnant and starting asking for maternity leave, etc it would've caused the guys to have to pick up a lot of the work. Though she was well within her right to do this, she made up her mind to place her job above family for now.
At the end of the day, this is a personal choice. The law being what it is, no one can discriminate because you are a female. However, ortho spots are coveted, especially among women. And whether fair or unfair, you will be judged by your fellow residents and attendings for the choices you make in residency. Having had many female friends in med school and now residency, I feel terrible for the choices you guys are faced with. Unfortunately, its the reality. Many women do manage both family and career but it's very tricky. Good luck!
