Birth control Quote by C.S. Lewis
““And as regards contraceptives, there is a paradoxical, negative sense in which all possible future generations are the patients or subjects of a power wielded by those already alive. By contraception simply, they are denied existence; by contraception used as a means of selective breeding, they are, without their concurring voice, made to be what one generation, for its own reasons, may choose to prefer. From this point of view, what we call Man’s power over Nature turns out to be a power exercised by some men over other men with Nature as its instrument.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Four Loves, C.S. Lewis, 1960
The quote warns that reproductive control can become a tool for the living to dictate the existence and traits of future generations, turning nature into a weapon of power.
In simple terms: Contraception can be used to control future people,
Key Takeaway
Consider the ethical limits of reproductive technology.
Themes
ethics
power
future generations
reproductive rights
Mood
thoughtful
concerned
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- family planning
- genetic engineering
- public health
- activism
Key Concepts
bioethics
social control
intergenerational justice
Questions to Reflect On
- How should societies balance reproductive freedom with collective responsibility?
- What safeguards prevent misuse of reproductive technologies?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook individual autonomy and cultural contexts.
![“Contraceptive methods are like putting a premium on vice. It makes men and women reckless... As it is, man has sufficiently degraded woman for his lust, and [contraception] , no matter how well meaning the advocates may be, will still further degrade her.” quote by Mahatma Gandhi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bac/mahatma-gandhi-23_contraception_contraceptive-methods-are-like-putting-a_1683828.jpg)
![“[W]e declare it is a grievous sin before God to adopt restrictive measures in disobedience to God's divine command from the beginning of time to 'multiply and replenish the earth.' Surely those who project such measures to prevent life or to destroy life before or after birth will reap the…” quote by Harold B. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0e0/harold-b-lee-7452_birth_w-e-declare-it-is-a-grievous-sin-before_93464.jpg)
