Birth Control?

Question

I am normally not a political person but I was wondering the other day when I saw a commercial on tv about abandoned babies in Africa; would it not be more productive to help these people understand about birth control and how if you can't feed yourself you certainly can't feed a child. Or would it be more expensive to pass on birth control along with the food aid?
It is no different in America either, because there are certainly people here who have children and can't feed them. Do people have children just because they can?

I'm sure I have opened a can of worms with this one

Answer 1

You opened a can of truth. In poor countries and America, there has to be some kind of way to educate and promote to these women the use of effective birth control methods if they must have sex. I know it is easier said than done, but we in America promote goods and luxuries with media, and bugging people to do something. We should take these same techniques and promote a healthy lifestyle for people to choose. Sex is great, but if you can't feed what comes out of you, don't put his spitter into you.

Answer 2

It is a loaded issue. People in the Third world have children as insurance against their old age, as there is often no state provision for elders. Children are also important in bringing in extra income by working. Also you have religious and cultural taboos against the use of birth control methods.
Against that, you have countries tying aid up in packages that militate against abortion, pushing their religious agendas on people who cannot afford to feed the children they have, or afford condoms or abortions for that matter. Money that could go on food is diverted to 'Just say no' campaigns in countries where poor families sell their young teenage girls in marriage because they are so poor. One of the commonest causes of female incontinence in Africa is because these young girls have had babies before their bodies are ready and they and their babies are abandoned by husband and family alike.
I think it has been estimated that one in three children are unplanned births (may be wrong on that one). Certainly I would agree with you that sadly, too often the last thing on people's minds when they engage in sex is either pregnancy or STD's.

Answer 3

Alot of different religions are very against birth control. And in some cultures, a woman is judged by her fertility, and her ability to provide offspring to her mate. In an ideal world, people who could not afford children would not have them. But in reality, people who have very little sometimes have children just to have something to hold on to, something belonging to them. In africa, there is alot of turmoil. It could very well be that alot of these abandoned children's parents were killed or were otherwise unable to return to them.

Answer 4

The mentality of many tribes work against birth control and condoms and even education. It is a high hurdle. there are people there who believe having sex with babies cures aids. Educate FIRST then the other stuff will come easier (I hope).

Answer 5

How about we chemically sterilize them by way of the food we give them? Same goes for here at home- these people can pop kids out left and right- damn well knowing that their welfare will increase to cover the costs.

Answer 6

I think you are right. It seems that the poorer people are the more kids they have. Seems backwards to me. Not just in Africa. I see lots of kids with kids in my town. All they do is yell at them.

Answer 7

its religion