There are many in the pro-choice movement who claim that the world is being overpopulated, that overpopulation contributes to food shortage, and an overall stress on the environment.
The implication is that abortion can help resolve all of these problems and lead to a better future for everyone.
However, there are a few serious flaws in this line of thinking.
- First, it should be noted that the vast majority of the Earth’s land surface, approximately 97% according to Dr. Paul Ehrlich, is empty. In other words, there is no shortage of land.
- Second, both the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Food Programme have stated there is plenty of food for everyone on the planet [1]. In fact, it is thought that the relatively high population of today is what helps create large markets and cheap goods. While there are some who do not have access to food, this is oftentimes caused by bad economic policy, war, or corruption, not overpopulation.
- Third, according to some analysts, the world’s population may very likely to actually max out with approximately 8 billion people between 2040 and 2050 [2]. After this time, the population may significantly plummet.
In addition to these things, it should also be mentioned that population control programs in other countries (often funded in large part by the United States) have sometimes had the effect of making these countries give priority to population control efforts over the health and well-being of its citizens [3].
For example, in the past the people of Peru have been under pressure from those who provide their country with foreign aid (namely the U.S.) to make population control a top priority. As a result, a large number of Peru’s medical professional traveled around the country as part of an effort to provide sterilizations. Routine health care took a back seat, tubal ligations were not always safe, and following their sterilization campaign, infection rates increased significantly [4].
Much damage has been caused in the effort to implement population control.
The unfortunate truth is that there will probably always be problems with poverty, starvation, and environmental degradation.
However, the cause of this problem is not overpopulation and the unborn are not the enemy.
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References
[1] Food and Agriculture Organization. (2011). “Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).” United Nations. N.p., 2011. Web. 21 Jul 2011. http://www.fao.org/hunger/faqs-on-hunger/en/
[2] Commission On Population And Development. (2011). “World Demographic Trends.” United Nations. United Nations, 2011. Web. 21 Jul 2011. http://www.un.org/esa/population/cpd/cpd2011/ecn92011-6buettner.pdf
[3] Mosher, Steven W. (2008). Population Control: Real Costs, Illusory Benefits. Transaction Publishers, New Brunswick, NJ, http://www.issuesforlife.com/Population/TheUnderpopulationProblem.htm
[4] Ibid
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