Nature, for example, sets up an ecological balance; it
produces organisms with their own niches; it makes some that are useful to man
(those, for instance, that we need for cheese) but others that are capable of
killing people; it balances organisms against each other, species against each
other. Nature made men and women to have children, many children, so that at least
some might survive the hazards nature puts in the way.
Since man has eliminated
many of these hazards now, has developed means for preventing malnutrition and
means for conquering and even preventing many of the diseases of childhood
which once took a huge toll, it is not necessary to have many children in order
for a few to survive. In ancient days, unwanted babies were left out to die.
Civilization stopped that practice and is now increasingly concerned with not
permitting unwanted children to perish emotionally and spiritually.
Major religions, and recently even governments expressing
the desire of peoples, have recognized the need for and wisdom of controlling
nature's lavish manner of providing children. Birth control, they agree, is
desirable, even necessary.
Many methods of birth control are now available.
Conception can be avoided by mechanical and chemical means and also by the
calendar or rhythm method, the latter approved by the Roman Catholic Church.
