Family Planning in Mexico.

In Mexico, as in all Latin American countries, large families have been the custom and the ideal among peasants. Sons mean helpers on the land and support in old age. In the upper classes, a large family is a symbol of success. In the past few decades Mexican industries, roads, dams, schools and health services have increased at an astounding rate. Yet in real terms the country is standing still as the proliferating population swamps these advances. The problem has not gone unnoticed by Mexico's planners. The solutions offered have been more irrigation, higher production from the land and new industries. Until recently there has been no suggestion, in public at least that population limitation might be a way out.