A controversial question on parenting?

Question

In this overpopulated world, does anyone, regardless of whether they can afford it or not, have the right to have more than one or two children?

When I said "right" I was not refering to a constitutional right, but a moral obligation to only replace yourself and your spouse, thereby keeping the population more or less constant, rather than adding to it by having more than two children. I am not propossing that this be made a law anywhere, just a philosophical question.

Answer 1

You're forgetting about those poor people who just don't want to work. How else will they be able to afford their scratchcards?

Answer 2

I have four children and I wouldn't have it any other way! There are people that don't want any, and that's fine too! It's a personal decision, and I believe you have to do what's best for your family. I was the oldest out of four, and I couldn't imagine being an only child. I wouldn't WANT to be an only child, ever! I love my sisters and my brother, and growing up with them was amazing.

You wonder if people should have the RIGHT to have more than one or two? What happens if you get pregnant the second time with twins? Then you'd have three....and according to what you propose.....that would be outside your rights.

I think we should just accept you can't control everything. My husband and I had every intention of stopping at three. Three was plenty for us, but we had twins. I was a bit shocked at first. I can remember saying I don't know if I'm excited or if I want to cry. It didn't take long and we were both overjoyed! We love our kids, all four of them. Had someone suggested a selective reduction, because I was over my "child limit" I would have punched them in the face. My children are my world!

Oh, and what happens if someone ended up pregnant with quads? It happens, by itself, sometimes. Who's gonna tell that woman, I'm sorry, but you're over your limit, you can't have all these babies?

Answer 3

Everyone has that right even though some should not have any more kids than they already have because of so many different reasons.
For example my cousin's cousin (no kin to me) has had so many kids when they should have forced her to get her tubes tied after this:
The first kid she had she adopted it out, the second one she gave to her mom and the 3rd one she killed (Yes she smothered that baby, i could tell you the story but it may upset others on here that are pregnant) She was only in jail for a year and got pregnant in jail by a guard and since then well last time i heard she had had 2 more since then. The judge should have forced her to have her tubes tied. The baby in which she murdered would be 17 years old now if she was alive. It happened in Oak Hill, West Virginia in 1990.

See in the bible it says Go forth and multiply so see it is our god given right to have as many kids as we want but i think alot should not be having any at all or no more than one but i have no say so in the matter.

Answer 4

Everyone has the right to have kids. BUT they should be sensible and realistic about it. As its the kids who suffer. Money isnt everything and as long as you can afford the important basics to live then it is the individuals chioce. Too many people feel like they have to "keep up with the Jones's"!!!
A roof over you head, dinner on the table, a comfy bed and a loving family are the only ingredients needed. i do however think that there pepole out there who take the p*** and keep on having kids to get bigger council houses etc. its fine to live off state benefits short term if you have problems but doing it on a permenant basis isnt right.

Answer 5

I believe everyone has the right to have as many children as they want, I live in a country that is under populated (Australia) where mothers actually receive $4000 (from the government) when each their children are born. Sadly though, some people regardless of their yearning to be a mother or not are taking up on this for the money.

I think if your family unit can support a big family than go for it, it's just sad to see woman having baby after baby after baby to then be supported by government hand outs.

Answer 6

The world is way overpopulated for sure - sure some countries have lower birth rates but the earth overall is way overloaded. Honestly people don't care how their contribution to this issue adds to its global effects - pollution, poverty etc. People are very selfish when it comes to their "right to breed" and will have as many as they want regardless of whether they are emotionally or financially ready for children. I have worked in child welfare and how I wish you had to apply for a license to have kids but that will never happen in the US - I guess we should just be happy china restricted children to one per household!

Answer 7

I saw a program the other day about this. In most developed countries around the world, families usually just have one child, two at the most. Only in the US do we think it is our right to have as many children as we want.
Personally, I love my two kids. I would have had more, just to see how the genetics combined if nothing else, but you have to be reasonable. As my husband reminded me, they're not puppies, college is not free.

Answer 8

Definitely not:
There are people who should never have children. Like that mother of a 15 stone 8 year old. That mother should automatically have lost her right to mother a child. She obviously is not a fit mother and should not be let loose amoung little children.

Answer 9

in Australia we are encouraged to have at least 3 kids. There are not going to be enough of this generation (paying their taxes) to make it able for the older generations to be supported in their last years with regards to nursing homes. Some countries are not as overpopulated as you believe

Answer 10

If they can afford to care for them, I think people should be allowed to have as many as they want. But you need to care for them properly and remember each one is with you for a minimum of 18 years, so don't get tired of parenting 1/2 way though. (I've seen this happen)

Answer 11

Some countries are under populated. Even in over populated countries not everybody has children, so the children that other have not had are usually counteracted by the people who have more that the 1.2 child per couple which is the average.