We don’t currently have the ability to do this, but I think if we could, we should put contraception in all the drinking water in the world. Of course, since we are hypothesizing here, let’s make clear that I am suggesting only a form of contraception that has no side effects at all and can be reversed with a simple pill or antidote of some kind. It actually doesn’t have to be in the drinking water, but some people might be tempted to cheat if you had to go in and get a shot or something. The water is the best way to get everyone.

I can’t think of a good reason not to implement this type of population control. It would be a boon to underdeveloped countries struggling with overpopulation and underproduction, as well as prevent the spread of diseases like AIDS between mother and child in utero. Women in these situations consistently opt for birth control when provided; this would be all the better for them.

It wouldn’t be just a third world thing though. If we did it in one place, we would have to do it in all places. But it would be just as beneficial in other places, albeit in perhaps different ways.

Take the U.S. for example. It would prevent unwanted teen pregnancies (and unwanted adult pregnancies as well, I suppose). We would have to work hard at educating kids about the dangers of STDs, but that can be done.

The image of welfare mothers getting knocked up to get a bigger check would be a thing of that past. No more children born to pathetic women who get pregnant to trap a man. No more bastard children to bring down athletic and political careers. No more abortions for the most part, because there would no longer be any surprise or unwanted pregnancies.

Only people willing and capable would be allow to procreate. By requiring people to pass certain minimal standards of economic and emotional/ mental competence, we could raise the overall quality of parenting in the country. Factor in genetic screening for disease and we could also greatly reduce health and education costs incurred through disease and genetic births defects.

Antidotes would only be granted to fit couples who wanted children. They would have to be able to demonstrate financial stability as well as emotional competence and an awareness of the responsibilities necessary for positive parenting. Kids aren’t pets who just need to be fed and bathed and everything works out okay. Potential parents need to be aware that they must spend time, lots of time, with their kids. Parenting is like a marriage, only more so. You must adapt your life to raise the child, not just be a bread winner or mediator of punishments. If you don’t want to have to raise your kids 24/7, then you shouldn’t be having them.

Of course the potential exists for abuse. We would have to insure that all minorities, for example, were given access to the fertility antidote. It would not be good if blacks or Jews or Tutsis or Chinese or whoever were not allowed to breed. But we could also ensure that children were borne only to parents who truly wanted them, who were prepared to raise and love them.

This solution obviously wouldn’t solve all the problems we have, but it would be a useful start. I wonder how far away we are from being able to do this actually. I’d vote for it in the next referendum!!