![Sample our Earth Sciences journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5930/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Earth-Sciences.jpg"})
Summary
High fertility—previously the key to man's continued existence as a species—is now the biggest threat to his survival. The population explosion which now threatens mankind has resulted from a decrease in the world's average death-rate while its birth-rate continued to be high. To survive, man must now limit numbers of children and fertility. Contraception is a very new development in mankind's history. Sexual intercourse need no longer lead to pregnancy, and conception is now a matter of personal choice. Human population growth has enormous potential and momentum, and population balance is very delicate. Population growth in South Africa at 2,7% per annum is one of the highest in the world, and an increase of 25 million people in 25 years is predicted. This growth will outstrip provisions of hospitals, doctors and nurses, in spite of every effort to provide family planning through a National Family Planning Programme. In women of reproductive age, child-bearing is the chief cause of mortality and morbidity. Control of fertility must be voluntary, but apart from sterilization, continued personal motivation is essential. A sense of the future, a change of goals from quantity to quality, and personal responsibility for reproduction are most immediate human needs.