Nature against us

"This book investigates the origins, implementation, and impact of the American effort--both private and government--to regulate fertility and thus to slow population growth throughout the developing world." U.S. economic interests in lowering fertility are examined and consideration is given to the people who implement U.S. policies and programs. "In assessing American involvement in efforts to lower developing country birth rates, [the author] examines both the American desire to provide a pragmatic solution to a perceived crisis and the nation's willingness to intervene in the family life of couples around the world. He argues that the United States' international family planning policy exemplifies the value Americans place on self-improvement, self-determination, and the control of one's environment. At the same time, population-related foreign assistance served the economic and strategic interests of the United States. Regardless of their motives, however, American population specialists and the people and institutions they supported overseas started a contraceptive revolution that has dramatically reduced birth rates in developing countries and has given women throughout the Third World more control over their reproductive lives." (Excerpt).