Demographic chic at the UN

Anti-Malthusian rhetoric is again popular. Nonsocialist intellectuals as well as socialists are saying that poverty, not population, is the problem. There is a need for population programs. A recent survey in 16 developing countries indicated that after 3 children 50% of the couples wanted no more, after 4, 70% wanted no more. There is no necessity to choose between development and population programs; there is room for both. Considering the limited amount of money that has been spent on population programs, it is unfair to say, as the new demographic chic does, that family planning has failed. More resources, better management, and extensive research are needed to make family planning really effective. It is easier to achieve than most of the developmental items the demographic chic spokesmen are demanding.