As an advocate of birth control I wish to point out that…
“As an advocate of birth control I wish to point out that the unbalance between the birth rate of the 'unfit' and the 'fit,' admittedly the greatest present menace to civilization, can never be rectified by the inauguration of a cradle competition between these two classes. In this matter, the example of the inferior classes, the fertility of the feeble-minded, the mentally defective, the poverty-stricken classes, should not be held up for emulation. On the contrary, the most urgent problem today is how to limit and discourage the over-fertility of the mentally and physically defective.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
She argues that controlling reproduction of those deemed "unfit" is essential for civilization, emphasizing eugenic ideas and population quality over quantity.
In simple terms: Control of reproduction for societal health.
Key Takeaway
Promote selective breeding.
Themes
eugenics
population control
public health
Mood
critical
controversial
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- public health planning
- bioethics debates
Key Concepts
social Darwinism
ethical controversy
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it moral to limit reproduction?
- How do we define "fit"?
A Different Perspective
Ethical concerns about human rights and discrimination.