Makin' Babies

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/03/opinion/kristof-the-birth-control-solution.html?src=tp&smid=fb-share

This isn't a new idea presented in this editorial- contraception and more importantly, family planning- helps slow down population growth. Yes Virginia, it is that simple! I especially love the analogy "Contraceptives no more cause sex than umbrellas cause rain."

Also, what I think is an important point to bring up and should be hammered out into the public mind over and over- family planning and access to contraceptives is *way* cheaper than supporting families that can't afford all the children. I have yet to hear an argument prove otherwise. I sure can't afford a baby right now, so what seems like a better plan of action- give me cheap access to contraceptives and thus baby free? Or force me (circumstantially, not physically) to have a child I cannot afford and thus must use public assistance (for medical coverage, daycare and Foodstamps) to support? The statistic changes in India and Mexico are stark proof (also read about countries surrounding India and their efforts, like Bangladesh) that when done right, family planning makes a difference.