This kind of picking and choosing

which parents should or should not have children is at the root of eugenics,

even if the consideration is on the theoretical level.

Writings by eugenicists such

as Margaret Sanger lament the poor and uneducated having too many children,

and advocate the use of the intellect, science, and social planning to

prevent that destructive trend. Later, Sanger went on to advocate restricted

births for blacks, Asians, and immigrants of all kinds.

Now, I am not a fool and agree

with Dr. Moffat's admonition to parents to hold as paramount the child's

welfare when considering parenthood. Our culture is too self-oriented

and children are suffering at the hands of parents who view them more

as toys or objects than as precious individuals who require sacrifice.

But Dr. Moffat seems to want

to subject parenthood to the same sort of dry, self-interested analysis

as we do economic policy or scientific research. Parenthood and childbearing

instead need to be regarded as special institutions, set apart by God

from the beginning of time for a special purpose: the creation and nurturing

of new life.

If we can agree to that premise,

then our ideas about how to best foster proper parenting will be in accord

with the sanctity of life.

Trey Hoffman

Sharpsburg

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