You can actually read chapters of Betsy Hartmann's book, Reproductive Rights and
Wrongs: the Global Politics of Population Contol online:
Chapter 1: Security and Survival
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/rt21/globalism/HARTMANNc1.html
Chapter 2: The Malthusian Orthodoxy
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/rt21/globalism/HARTMANNc2.html
Chapter 10: Shaping Contraceptive Technology
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/rt21/race/HARTMANNCh10.html
Chapter 11: Hormonal Contraceptives and the IUD
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/rt21/race/HARTMANNCh11.html
Chapter 12: Bangladesh- Survival of the Richest
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/rt21/globalism/HARTMANNCh12.html
Chapter 13: Sterilization and Abortion.
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/rt21/race/HARTMANNCh13.html
Chapter 14: Carrier Methods, Natural Family Planning, and Future Directions
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/rt21/race/HARTMANNCh14.html
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> I used to agree with you thanks to Malthus's viewpoint infiltrating Western
> thought, however I've recently done some extensive research on the subject
> and this is what I've found:
> It's very convenient for us sitting here in America in our oil heated homes,
> and gasoline fueled cars to place the burdon of the world's environmental
> problems on a dark-skinned faceless crowd in third world countries... Places
> where our nuclear sized families aren't necessarily sustainable for their
> living situations. Children in many of these countries are necessary for the
> survival of the whole family. By the age of 10-13 boys in Bangledesh produce
> more than they consume. And by the age of 15 their total production has
> exceeded their cumulative lifetime consumption. Children are the only social
> security here, and the only way that many will survive when they are older.
> Male preference and high mortality rates keep birth rates high to ensure that
> a few males will survive into adulthood. consumption patterns in developed
> countries (especially the US) have much more to do with the harm to the
> environment. One person living in the US consumes 16 times more energy than
> one person in a developing nation. The industrialized nations, with 22 % of
> the world's population consume 70% of the world's energy, 75% of its metals,
> 85% of its wood, and 60% of its food... and who is stripping mama earth of
> her resources?
> When govenments interfere actually what will probably happen, (as has
> happened throughout the past few decades when goals of lowering birth rates
> has been the main objective) is more permanent froms of birth control
> (sterilization, Depo-Provera, Norplant...)will be provided, if not even
> forced on women in these countries. All the while their health is ignored
> and living standards remain unchanged. What needs to happen is to focus on
> improving women's lives in general. When women become educated, gain equal
> rights, and power to make choices about their own bodies, birth rates
> natually fall. This has been proven time and time again throughout history.
> In fact, the current birth rate around the world has been stabilizing for
> years (except for Africa), and the population only seems to be "exploding"
> because such a large percentage of the population is of childbearing age. We
> need to shift the focus from control over women's wombs to improving their
> overall lives all around the world. And perhaps we should all take a look at
> our own consumption patterns if we want to make a real change.
> ~Laura
>
> *statisics cited from Reproductive Rights and Wrongs, the Global Politics of
> Population Contol by Betsey Hartmann, 1995
--
Betsey Brada
Webmaster
Global Reproductive Health Forum
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/grhf
Harvard School of Public Health
Tel: (617) 432-2936
Fax: (617) 566-0365
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
