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Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science pp 1–3Cite as

Permissibility of Reproduction

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Synonyms

Antinatalism; Natalism

Definitions

The permissibility of reproduction refers to the debate over the morality and ethics of reproducing.

Introduction

Having a child is one of the most significant decisions a person can make within their lifetime. This decision has the potential to impact not only the parents but also the child and society at large. However, it is considered by some to be one of the most rewarding decisions that a person can make. Regardless, it is a decision that requires consideration of financial, physical, and emotional readiness. Much of the debate surrounding the ethics of procreation is centered around discussing the situations wherein procreation may or may not be permissible. For example, if during pregnancy parents find out their child will have a debilitating congenital disease, would it be ethical to bring that child into the world knowing that it may not have a good quality of life? Natalists agree that there are situations, perhaps even most...

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References

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA

    Anna Wysocki

Authors
  1. Anna Wysocki
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Correspondence to Anna Wysocki .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, USA

    Todd K. Shackelford

  2. Rochester, Michigan, USA

    Viviana A. Weekes-Shackelford

Section Editor information

  1. Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA

    Lisa L. M. Welling

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© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG

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Cite this entry

Wysocki, A. (2017). Permissibility of Reproduction. In: Shackelford, T., Weekes-Shackelford, V. (eds) Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16999-6_461-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16999-6_461-1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-16999-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-16999-6

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference Behavioral Science and PsychologyReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Business, Economics and Social Sciences

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