Thread: a human right?

Is reproduction a human right?

Example: A couple of nights ago, a woman eight months pregnant came into the Edmonton hospital high on speed. Of course, her baby was high on speed too, potentially causing massive permanent damage.

Example: If you were to look at the ten most wanted thugs in any city, 7 – 8 of them would be the products of fetal alcohol syndrome.

Example: China’s leading the world in massive overpopulation. For the good of society, is it right that China enforces a one-child-policy? What would be the humane way to enforce it? (‘would’ because enforcement now sure isn’t humane)

If reproduction is a civil rather than human right, criminals would be excluded. Is this okay?

What is the factor then, that determines whether or not one has the right to reproduce?

Probably by the time you figure it out, you will be to old to reproduce anyway, so dont worry, be happy. :wink:

I’d say it’s all a matter of how you (or your society) chooses. It’s not as if there’s any innate difference between a human right and a civil right, other than what everyone agrees upon.

In this world of overpopulation, I'm in favour of curbing reproduction. I think society should focus more on using birth control and for those who actually do want kids: adoption.

With regards to your examples, I believe that if you're not going to be raising your future-child responsibly, abort the fetus. Also, if you don't plan on having kids and engage in suff like speed - use norplant or something similar, or just get a vasectomy or tubal ligation.

I know this is on a slightly different slant than your question, but regarding infertile couples draining our resources to try and have children. I would say, no people have no right to have children. Why should they, it is a compelty illogical expectation.

We may just as well expect to have the right to be a good athlete or musician. Some are born physically able to do some things, others different things. There are a number of rewarding things to dedicate to in life other than reproduction.

As to overpopulation. I am with elbethil on this we should be doing all we can to reduce it.

But, as to the opening post. I think what you are suggesting here is selective breeding of humanity, and ideas such as this are indeed very dangerous. It smacks of fascism and genocide and I say no, no no no .

On a more subjective note. You may think it a good idea to stop the lower end of society reproducing, but if you set that precedent, you may find a different regime in power and you are the one being sterilized.

Procreation is a privilege, not a right. To say the least.


The whole problem lies in viewing sex as a socially acceptable activity that is meant to satisfy *other* needs and desires than the one to procreate.

In other words, the satisfaction of *non-procreative* needs and desires is fulfilled via sex.

Sex is being used for something that it is not originally meant for. No wonder things go wrong.

Ask yourself first:

Is having sex a right?

Do humans have the right to have sex?

"What is the factor then, that determines whether or not one has the right to reproduce?"


It varies accoring to many factors that cannot be determined in many instances for there's no education in most of the world dealing with family planning, birth control or other various forms of public awareness that an orderly society needs in order to have a semi controled population.

What is a "right"? Human "rights" are conferred by other humans. They do not exist outside of humanity. Having sex is morally neutral. The effects of procreation are all that counts.

There is plenty of room and food - procreate at will. Enjoy!

There is not enough room or food - procreate and watch your children die along with thousands of others and risk mass human die-offs similar to deer and other prey populations in the absence of sufficient predator species.

We should not move people around just because they start dying for there is a lack of food and water present.

When environment can not sustain its habitants, the habitants should die. Finland has the strictest laws concerning migration in europe – which is great. I don’t mind a few Ethiopians dying of thirst; clearly their environment can not sustain their existence and hence are naturally removed from it.

So reproduce freely, but don’t get all smarmy and start dumping the results on me.

And I say this because our population is a downward spiral, and there is no need to change that into something that has unknown repercussions.
Play it safe and give room for nature, back off with the humane attitude just a bit.