Gabrielle Union has blasted Hollywood for ''shaming'' women who choose their career over starting a family.

The 'Bring It On' star - who is the stepmother to Dwyane Wade's three children - believes women who focus on their jobs are met with unnecessary criticism.

She said: ''There's a certain amount of shame that is placed on women who have perhaps chosen a career over starting a family younger. The penance for being a career woman is barrenness. You feel like you're wearing a scarlet letter.''

The 42-year-old actress also believes it works the other way, with women also being criticised for getting pregnant and become mothers.

She added: ''The reality is that women are discriminated against in the workplace for being mothers. As much as there are strides being made - you get pregnant, your career takes a hit. You can't have a bad day.

''Don't you dare cry at work. Don't raise your voice. Especially if you're a black woman in corporate America - now you're 'the angry black woman.'''

However, Gabrielle alluded that she has not ruled out having children with the 33-year-old sportsman.

She told Redbook magazine: ''So far, it has not happened for us.''