Some leaders openly argue from mutual economic interest to coax us into taking action. Others prophesy of doom and fear to coerce us to change. In contrast, the primary Christian concern must be for justice, for positive policies that affirm each man's equal worth before our creator and our judge, rather than purely expedient ones. Family planning combined with reasonable economic circumstances is compatible with such a notion of justice. It allows couples in the light of their own circumstances and beliefs, to decide the number and spacing of their children.
Family planning extends personal choice, and is a good thing.
In contrast, population control is inherently coercive. Governments and other agencies make and enforce decisions concerning the number of children couples ought to have in line with prevailing economic and social policy. There is good evidence from fairly poor countries such as Cuba, South Korea, Taiwan, Barbados, Uruguay, the Punjab and Sri Lanka that a modest improvement in general welfare can stabilise population growth. With the basic provision of a secure food supply, access to basic health services and education, the poor can be enabled to take control of their own lives. In short, the greatest need is for development.