How do we meet the massive global issue of fertility without being mired in the abortion debate?
Fertility is a massive global issue.
In the poorest of the poor countries the issue is stark. Nicholas Kristof vividly
describes "how breakneck population growth is linked to poverty, instability,
and conflict." The people and situations are wrenching.
"In almost every village we stop in we chat with families whose huts overflow
with small children—whom the parents can't always afford to educate, feed
or protect from disease."
In Africa the linked issues must be addressed, while in the U.S. birth control
is regularly a polarized debate.
Both pro-life and pro-choice poles have strong ethical positions. Both sides
do good work around the world. Nevertheless the polarity of U.S. politics often
distills the debate to shouted slogans.
Getting past the dichotomy is difficult at best, but for global issues, both
sides need to address these linkages, not stop at assertions of a right to life
or to choice.
Kristof takes the pro-choice side beyond, "What's needed is a comprehensive
approach to assisting men and women alike with family planning—not just
a contraceptive dispensary."
Similarly, the pro-life position argues for education and economic development
which strengthen individual commitment.
In addition, a focus for both sides must be; how to find the money and implement
the programs, not simply the ethics of their opponents.
What do you think, regardless of your view on pro-life or pro-choice?
How do we meet the massive global issue of fertility without being mired in
the abortion debate?
By William
Vocke.
For more information see:
BBC Ethics
Guide: Contraception, BBC, 2010
Nicholas D. Kristof, "Poverty
and the Pill," The New York Times, May 20, 2010, A27.
Nicholas D. Kristof, "Is
Consensus Possible on Birth Control?", On the Ground, May 20,
2010
