Essay - Avoiding Overpopulation in the U.s. the United States Has Managed...

Avoiding Overpopulation in the U.S.

***** United States has managed to achieve a stable reproductive rate. That is, as of 1999, our fertility ***** ***** 2.0, meaning that for each two adults we are having two children. (Carter, 1999) This has no doubt been accomplished because we have learned about how to apply population control within our families. However, it does *****t mean the United ***** will never ***** any problems with ***** growth in ***** future. The fertility rate doesn't take immigration into consideration or the fact that many people ***** living many m*****e years than they used to. It makes sense, then, ***** continue to concern ourselves ***** population growth.

***** Planned Parenthood Federation has worked for ***** decades to make birth control available for all who want it. Their mission statement says:

***** Parenthood believes in the fundamental right ***** ***** individual... to manage his or her fertility, regardless of ***** individual's income, marital status, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or residence. We believe that respect and value for diversity in ***** aspects of our organization are essential to our well-be*****g...we further believe that such self-determination will contribute ***** an enhancement of the quality of life, strong family relationships, ***** population stability. (PPFA, accessed 2002)

Birth control has ***** part of human life for thousands ***** *****. An illustration on the wall of a cave in France shows a m*****n using a condom. (PPFA, accessed *****). According to t***** source, medicine has known that *****s can help prevent ***** spread ***** sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) since the 18th century.

Since the invention of ***** condom, however, science has provided humankind with a wide variety of options for ***** control. They can be divided ***** barrier methods, conception blockers and surgical approaches.

Barrier methods include condoms but also diaphragm, cervical caps and sponges. Each approach has benefits ***** drawbacks. Some men may prefer that the woman use a di*****phragm, but they must be obtained by prescription and carefully fitted. Sponges may not be as effective as other barrier methods, and neither diaphragms nor sponges protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Intra-uterine devices ***** be inserted ***** removed by a physician, and can sometimes cause complications. (PPFA, accessed 2002)

***** have a couple of distinct **********. They prevent pregnancy effectively. (PPFA, ***** 2002) In addition, they help protect against the acquisition and spread ***** disease. They can ***** be used if sex is decided upon impulsively. They are small, portable ***** easily purchased ********** a prescription. However, they must be handled c*****fully, and even with care taken, condoms ***** break.

Other approaches interfere with conception. These ***** include birth control pills, implants put under the skin (Norplants®), Depo-Provera®, and intra-uterine devices *****® is a shot given to the wom*****n every 12 weeks. Like birth control pills and Norplants®, it ********** ovulation. Implants require the woman to come in and have the rods inserted ***** the skin, and the woman has to remember to go in every 12 weeks