Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to examine and analyze a series of ethical concepts and issues bearing upon population policies and programs. In view of the prevailing circumstances in the developing world, and especially in India, the resolution of most population issues requires a clear conception of the moral concerns involved. Morality is universal and defines good and evil according to universal standards. It focuses on distinctions which are common to all human beings. Though the subject is complex and delicate, perhaps new moral insights can be uncovered dealing with the problem of the population explosion in the world in general, and in India in particular, where 48% of the population lives below the official poverty line. ;This dissertation is primarily confined to the examination of ethical issues viz., common good, happiness, justice, freedom of procreation, rights of future generations and our related obligations, governmental policies of population control, individuals' responsibilities and natural family planning. It also attempts to shed light on demographic statistics and projections, as well as poverty problems in India, while constructing an overall framework for the study and evaluation of all aspects of population problems in the context of natural law morality. ;An ethical examination and discussion of the problems of population is difficult but should not be evaded. All that has been attempted here is an elucidation of the conditions that underly an exposition of the ethical aspects of natural family planning and the individual's freedom of procreation. It is, however, inferred that the government has no right to interfere with the conjugal life of the people; rather, it should face the problems of the population explosion by making efforts to eradicate proverty, illiteracy and feelings of insecurity. It is morally justified to control population if, and only if, our actions and governmental policies are ethically acceptable. The knowledge of moral values serves to eliminate the confusion between what one is inclined to do and what one morally ought to do