BMJ: limit families to two kids

An article in the British Medical Journal is urging GPs to encourage their patients to consider capping their families at two children, in an effort to limit the impact of a burgeoning population on the environment. John Guillebaud, emeritus professor of family planning and reproductive health, at University College London and GP Dr Pip Hayes, from Exeter, argue that investing in contraception would help fight climate change.

The pair say that the research organisation, Optimum Population Trust calculates that "each new UK birth will be responsible for 160 times more greenhouse gas emissions... than a new birth in Ethiopia".

Unplanned pregnancy is a problem for the planet, say the doctors, who also suggest that those planning pregnancies should consider stopping at two children.

"We must not put pressure on people, but by providing information on the population and the environment, and appropriate contraception for everyone (and by their own example), doctors should help to bring family size into the arena of environmental ethics, analogous to avoiding patio heaters and high carbon cars."