ACUTE SOCIAL PROBLEMS

Evening Star, Issue 22192, 21 November 1935, Page 16

ACUTE SOCIAL PROBLEMS

BIRTH CONTROL AND EUGENICS CHURCH’S ASSISTANCE DEFINED Birth control and important social problems hinging on this subject found ample expression, when the following pronouncement from the Public Questions Committee was submitted to yesterday afternoon’s session of the OtagoSoutlnand District Synod of the Methodist Church of New Zealand:— “Man’s advancing knowledge of science and truth, as shown in his control over nature, is of increasing value to the masses of the people and is part of God’s revelation. . . . With the increasing standards 'of health, and through changed social and economic conditions, a controlled , birth rate would serve the interests of society. It is therefore evident that birth control, used with the best and fullest knowledge of the day, can and should, amongst Christian people exercising a spirit of mutual love and discipline, bo a means not only to a richer happiness to the partners in marriage, but also to a loftier standard in each succeeding generation, it is recommended that ministers and responsible leaders of youth equip themselves to give adequate spiritual, mental, and physical guidance required by those preparing for and entering into marriage.” “ While other countries of the world have been giving this matter their earnest attention, wo have been lagging behind, but it is now time that action should be taken,” declared the Rev. L. B. Neale. He then wont on to say that they would not treat a dog in the way civilisation to-day treated some of its people. If a dog suffered from some disease it would be put out of its misery, yet many humans were compelled to live in perhaps greater agony for long periods. “ Wo know,” he added, •“ that doctors to-day do allow certain patients to sleep away. The end is hastened in a few cases, but I endorse the proposal that medical men should be given authoritative power to end life where there is decision in all cases.” A visit to any mental institution would repulse and sadden one at heart, Mr Neale said, for many children were made to pay for the sins of the fathers. It had been asked why the church'did not give a lead in the matter, and he himself asked if the church did not have a duty to society and .unborn

generations by enlightening public opinion on certain matters. In view of the widespread forces militating against the health of the present and succeeding generations, would it not be advisable for Synod to encourage' national action among medical men in the matters of sterilisation and segregation ? Mr Neale then moved —“ That the Public Questions Committee be in-

structed by conference to investigate the proposals known as eugenics, sterilisation, and euthanasia as solutions to some of the acute social problems affecting the present and succeeding generations.” The llev. C. H. Olds (chairman) said that it was, a far-reaching subject, and they would carefully have to guard against its many implications.

Advocating the issuing of medical certificates with the marriage licenses, the Rev. Percy Cooke said that this had been urged for some time by the medical fraternity to ensure the health of the contracting parties, as well as that of the children to come.. _ Mr Cooke then moved a recommendation along these lines, and the three motions were carried.