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AAAS Resolution:
Concerning World Population Growth
Whereas the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), being the principal organization of scientists in the United states, is composed of members concerned with broad issues of human welfare, scientific research, and public policy, and
Whereas in 1960 the AAAS Board supported a statement on overpopulation, signed by nobel laureates and distinguished scientists, for submission to the United Nations, and
Whereas in 1972 the Council of AAAS adopted a resolution calling for substantial increases in support of scientific research on the problems associated with human reproduction, and
Whereas in 1974 AAAS published its comments on the World Population Plan of Action recognizing that nations, and their constituent socio-cultural groups, should implement their own population policies, and
Whereas AAAS is concerned that continued rapid growth of the human population contributes directly to human suffering throughout the planet, impedes sustainable economic development, increases international tensions, and exacerbates environmental degradation that endangers the survival of the human and many other species, and
Whereas the 1990 Institute of Medicine report on Developing New Contraceptives: Obstacles and Opportunities indicates that research in the field continues to require significant support, and
Whereas the AAAS recognizes that some U.S. Government policies concerning population problems and fertility control are contrary to the positions previously taken by AAAS, in lacking support for voluntary fertility control programs, in general, and for the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF), in particular,
Whereas since voluntary contraceptive options cannot be achieved for all couples who wish them without committing the resources of American science and technology to the common goals of improving reproductive technology, encouraging and protecting contraceptive development, and avoiding unwanted pregnancy by safe and legal means;
Therefore be it resolved that continuing in its historic role, AAAS calls upon the Executive and Legislative branches of the U.S. Government to provide additional population/family planning funding for domestic and international contraceptive research efforts, specifically those of the National Institutes of Health, of the US Agency for International Development and the World Health Organization. [Adopted by the AAAS Council, February 18, 1991.]
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