by Carol Shaw-Sutton

Created on: February 04, 2009

Wow, what a question. This issue is just so loaded with variables and other issues within issues, that it would take forever just to pinpoint one exact resolution; however, one thing is clear here, religion has a lot to do with this debate, and so does politics.

First of all, people who are misguided by religion will stick to their guns indefinitely, no matter how hard you try to convince them that having more children for the sake of it, is just wrong. Certain religions mistakingly take words out of context from holy books, in order to subjugate women and society as a whole. Women, in particular, have been controlled by religion for such a long time. While things are changing now, there are still many women who feel it is their duty to somehow have children. So, first thing I would examine is, are women having children because they really want them, or because they think they have to?

Secondly, if women really are the ones who want children, then they should question the motives for it. If you already have children and want more, is there an ulterior reason for it that warrants it? I've heard so many people say they want children solely for selfish reasons like "I want something to leave behind" or "I just want someone to take care of me when I'm older." No, sorry, no cigar - these are not valid enough reasons for having children!

Secretly, I know a lot of men don't want kids either, it's always the women. So, do men also have rights regarding this issue? I know my husband doesn't want any, and luckily, he found someone who feels the same; however, what if I was the type of woman who disregarded my husband and just had children anyway? We must question whether or not this is fair to the husbands who seem to have no say in the matter, because frankly, children are a huge economic burden. I know that if I had children right now, they would certainly grow up poor.

Which brings me to another important point. Should people who want more kids be able to have them if they cannot support them? My answer to this is absolutely not! And while it may seem unfair to you, may seem like an infringement on the rights of individuals, think about the rights of the unborn child. Should children be brought into this world who will suffer? I've seen first hand the effects of children whose parents could either not support them or brought them into this world addicted to drugs and homeless. These kids are permanently damaged. And where are the parents? Smoking more crack and having more kids!

So, no, adding to the fact that the world is already overpopulated, I do not think these fertility treatments should be given. If people want more kids, adopt some of the types of children I mentioned. These kids need a home and need loving parents. Could you step up to the plate and do the right thing? That's a good question to ask yourself.

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