Population Growth:  Letter to the Editor

Although population growth has slowed (Population
growth slows, lifetimes grow, Toronto Star, September 22, 1999), we still need to work
to slow the growth more. Birth control and education programs in developing countries are
commendable. However, many in these developing countries continue to have large families
because of religious or cultural policies. The Roman Catholic Church, for instance, needs
to set an example by eliminating outdated policies against birth control use. In addition,
many continue to have large families so they have someone to support them in later years.
An investment in social assistance programs in developing countries would eliminate the
need to have large families as insurance.

September, 1999

© Suzanne P. Currie 1999 sciencelives@hotmail.com