The obstetrician-gynecologist and reproductive health. Presidential address

The sources of nutrition and energy on this planet are limited and already in short supply. Improvement in the health and welfare of individuals and of nations will not be possible unless man promptly and effectively decreases the numbers of children being born to numbers that can be adequately fed and provided a chance of individual development. Currently available knowledge and methodologies do provide effective means of limiting human reproduction to the number of children for whom a family unit can adequately care. Gynecologists and obstetricians might well assume a more significant role in helping to limit the numbers of children being born so that populations can be adequately fed and more individuals will have opportunity to realize health and a hope of individual achievement. Man's current needs, as well as the gynecologist-obstetrician's capabilities, suggest designation of "reproductive health" as a specialty within gynecology and obstetrics, because the management of fertility should be recognized as a major responsibility of the gynecologist and obstetrician.