Population control, morality and the doctor.

Abstract

Concern is expressed that the population should be effectively controlled in order to prevent communities from reaching their maximum size capable of survival. Growth should be stopped in order to maintain a high quality of life and an unspoiled environment. In addition to offering counsel to individuals concerning birth control doctors should actively influence public and government opinion for the development of a comprehensive birth control service within the National Health Service. The presently approved methods of abstention and contraception are inadequate methods of birth control. They are limited by the requirement of at least moderate levels of education, intelligence, foresight, and self-discipline. If this community continues to exclude male and female sterilization, the quality of its future population may be impaired by a selective underbreeding of individuals most able to use these exacting methods. Vasectomy and laparoscopy are procedures accepted by patients and essentially without medical complications. Publicity and facilities for their use need to be increased. Artificially induced abortion appears to be the 1 method of birth control which is completely without the disadvantages of selective application, and abortion law must be amended so that it allows the woman to determine for herself whether to continue or terminate her pregnancy. The provision of free facilities for contraception, abortion, and sterilization is necessary. There is no morality in allowing the birth of unwanted children.