The case for the encyclical
Sir : In his defence of the Papal encyclical 'On the regulation of birth' (2 August) the Roman Catholic Bishop of Leeds rather ingenuously argues that the redistribution of wealth and the redirection of economic development alone will be sufficient to alleviate the problems created by world overpopulation. But surely he must realise that unless some form of control is practised any remedy could only be of a very temporary nature.
Family planning schemes are an essential part of relief programmes in the areas of greatest poverty, and should become a condi- tion of economic aid if its benefits are not to be dissipated by rising population pressures. Precisely why those whose sense of social responsibility prevents them from overburden- ing their own resources should be expected to subsidise indefinitely others who are reluctant to exercise a reciprocal degree of restraint re- mains unexplained, but if, as the bishop expediently implies, poverty may be more easily equated with human dignity than contraception it is easy to understand how the Church of Rome can conscientiously overcome the objec- tions to a doctrine that will inevitably cause personal suffering and universal distress on an increased scale.
There is no spiritual compromise involved in recognising the harsh realities of modern life, but it is morally indefensible to pursue a course that must inevitably promote further hardship. M. J. H. Liversidge 28 East St Helen's, Abingdon, Berkshire
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