Pre-fertilization Barriers

• Pre-fertilization techniques focus on the ability of a man and woman to successfully reproduce prior to fertilization of the woman's egg. These techniques include methods such as condom usage, birth control pills and vasectomies. Most are already widely used methods of birth control which help to reduce the world population growth. Other pre-fertilization birth control techniques which help control world population growth include intrauterine devices and hysterectomies. Intrauterine devices block the sperm from reaching the egg by creating unfavorable conditions in the uterus, while a hysterectomy is a complete removal of the female reproductive organs.
  
  

Post-fertilization Barriers

• Post-fertilization techniques focus on ending pregnancy by terminating the egg or embryo following fertilization. These include emergency contraceptive pills used directly after intercourse and termination of the developing embryo. These techniques are highly effective in preventing birth and are commonly used in situations dictated by unplanned pregnancy such as teenage pregnancy, rape and contraceptive failure. Laws regarding the use of these techniques vary by state and country, mandating careful research and consultation prior to their use.
  
  

Euthanasia

• Euthanasia is the practice of terminating life, usually humanely, through the use of modern pharmaceutical drugs. Historical use of euthanasia in human population control has been both voluntary and involuntary, involving mostly the elderly in society. The practice of euthanasia varies by state and country, but is now used more frequently as a method of elected termination in cases of terminal illnesses and chronic conditions which severely degrade quality of living. The practice of physician-assisted euthanasia has historically been a topic of controversy from various moral and ethical backgrounds, but according to the Epoch Times, has been considered as a widespread option as early as 1932.
  
  

Pandemics and Epidemics

• Pandemics and epidemics are primarily naturally occurring outbreaks of disease which effect large portions of a population. Pandemics are worldwide disease outbreaks while epidemics are localized, regional outbreaks of disease. Historically, according to Flu.gov, these outbreaks have affected greater than 33 percent of the world population. In most cases, these outbreaks are the result of human overpopulation and mutations in less virulent strains of diseases which subsequently turn highly virulent and lethal. In some cases, epidemics have been used in biological warfare to reduce the fighting population of an enemy.
  
  

Concerns

• World population control has been and continues as a major topic of debate among those who feel strongly about the issues surrounding it. The specific techniques used for population control are also under the scrutiny of organizations which sometimes support or are offended by them. State and federal laws governing the use of various population control methods vary widely among locations and are a continuous hot topic among political, religious and ethnic groups.