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Article: A response to critics of family planning programs.(COMMENT)
- Article from:
- International Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health
- Article date:
- March 1, 2009
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2009 Guttmacher Institute. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Sharply rising energy and food prices have once again raised the specter of the human population outstripping the planet's natural resources. Ever since Malthus, pessimists have believed that mankind is doomed due to overpopulation and overconsumption, while optimists have argued that technological innovation will improve standards of living and that population growth is at most a minor issue. (1), (2) While this renewed debate at the global level receives widespread media attention, another less visible but equally important discussion of the impact of demographic trends and policy options is under way among the leaders of the least- developed countries. A large majority ...