I've had many theoretical discussions with people about any number of topics but one that seems to be one of the most diverse in terms of opinions comes around the subject of human reproduction and whether or not people have a fundamental right to it.
Some of the morally grey questions around this topic:
- Should someone with a genetic disease be able to reproduce?
- Should someone with a substance abuse problem be able to reproduce?
- Should someone with crippling mental illness be able to reproduce?
- Should someone who lives on public assistance be able to reproduce?
- Should someone who already has 20 kids be able to have a 21st?
- Should someone who has had children forceably taken away be able to reproduce?
At the end of the day the discussion seem to boil down to "Do people have a fundamental right to have as many children as they want?"
I admit I hold a more extreme view. I believe that people do not have a fundamental right to children. You should have to prove you have the means and the ability to parent before you are allowed to reproduce. The only problem I see with this framework is the implementation and running of this sort of testing -- as we all know it'll get corrupted and twisted around before too long.
The world is populated. We are no longer living in an era where rampant reproduction is needed to sustain world population. Bearing children should be reserved to those who can take care of the kids. Want to have a kid? Get your life to where you can support one.
What do you think? Is it a right? Is there a limit to that right?
EDIT -- I'm not talking legally -- as that'll be a pretty uninteresting conversation with everyone saying no. I'm more talking ethically/morally? Is reproduction a moral absolute?