Can We Sacrifice a Few Lives to Save Millions

Overpopulation is one of the biggest threats to the planet and to humanity. In poor nations where food rations are sparse, too many people can cause famines. Overpopulation contributes to environmental problems, health problems, and economical problems. However, overpopulation is a difficult crisis to deal with because the right to reproduce is ingrained in the human psyche. It would be unethical to invasively force sterilization on women or men. On the other hand, it is equally unethical to give up and do nothing. The recent discovery of the five-year birth control pill solves a slew of problems. First, it provides a contraceptive that is more reliable than condoms or the standard pill, for there is no room for human error. The pill is only taken once and the woman is protected for five years. Second, it offers a non-invasive method of contraception that can squelch the population growth on the planet. The risk that this pill causes cancer is relatively small, but that risk must still be made public. The primary issue in this case is the rightful disclosure of information: the findings should be publicized and the pill should be released with the appropriate disclaimers.

All pharmaceuticals carry risks and side effects, and this one is no exception. Such a convenient birth control pill will be indispensable to the international medical community and to humanitarian organizations. My main concern would be that women would not be informed about the potential risks. Most people would probably still take the pill, knowing that one in a million patients will develop cancer. The risk is relatively remote, but at least it would be up to the individual to decide. The fact that corruption and deceit could cause women to be unaware of this risk is beyond my control as a scientist. Hundreds, if not thousands, of drugs are prescribed every day and in many of those cases the patient is not made fully aware of the potential risks and side effects. This is usually not because researchers failed to report their findings but because doctors refuse to respect the rights of their clients.