For years, many theorists have attempted to figure out the way the world will cease to exist. Thomas Malthus argued that an excess population growth will be the direct cause of social and environmental issues. However, Karl Marx argued that an exploited amount of oppression from leaders of the world will ultimately be the reason the world ceases to exist. Regardless of who is more accurate with their predictions, many have begun to take action to decrease overpopulation through different means. Family planning limits either the number of children in society or the intervals between the births of the children. This method is carried out through artificial means of contraception (condoms, birth control pills, or sterilization through surgery). These actions are carried out to limit the growing population which can eventually aid the carrying capacity through means of technology and other resources.
Currently, artificial contraception is a controversial topic due to different religious views. Christian followers completely condemn contraception due to their beliefs that it impedes God’s procreative purposes of marriage. Throughout Judaism, there are various perspectives due to the different branches of the religion. Jewish participators view children as a blessing; therefore, they oppose male contraception unless the health of a woman is in danger due to pregnancy risks. In the United States, there is lots of controversy when it comes to government funded programs for family planning.
In recent years, Planned Parenthood has spurred controversy due to the rumors of the selling of fetal tissues through this program. Anti-abortion activists have called for the government to withdraw funding of Planned Parenthood; therefore, it has spurred controversy among the people. However, it is important to note the different services that Planned Parenthood provides: sexual education, STD testing/treatment, contraception, mammograms, and pregnancy tests. Under President-Elect Donald Trump, these programs can lose funding due to his previous opposition to their services. It is important to note the increase in population growth that can occur if these programs lose funding, the population growth can ultimately create an imbalance carrying capacities.
After noting the different perspectives in regards to the pros and cons to family planning, I seem to still favor the side the side in support. Even though some individuals might oppose to contraception because of religious beliefs, it is important to note that the people who advocate this movement have their reasons for supporting it. In the end, it comes down to respecting one another’s decisions. The decisions taken regarding this issue should be left to the discretion of the parents because at the end of the day it will be the parents who will support the child. If a couple does not feel financially or emotionally ready to bring another life into the world, that should be solely their decision.
