Fertility Research

In an age of overpopulation there is a major moral distinction between government spending on fertility research (“Lack of Infertility Study Funds Hit,” Part A, Dec. 3) and abortion. Abortion deals with a problem that exists and is already unavoidable. Is an unwanted child to be produced? Bringing the fetus to term is likely to become personal tragedies for both mother and child. There is likely to be a continued public expense while an impoverished child grows up.

An infertile couple may face a personal misfortune, but their misfortune is not a burden for society. In fact, public policy should discourage population increase. It is not urgent for fertility research to receive societal help. Researchers working on fertility may think their work wonderful, but there are urgent medical projects more worthy of public support.

WILLIAM BUCHMAN

Los Angeles