Remarks in this article were made as part of a panel discussion presented at the Planned Parenthood-World Population combined Southeast Council and National Board Meeting, Savannah, Georgia, in May 1970. The problems and consequences of an increasing birth rate are indicated along with the need for reducing present rates of population growth and eventual stabilization of population size at some manageable level. Commitment to voluntary family planning, enabling a couple to regulate its family size and respecting its right to do so, is urged. To this end, governmental policies designed to influence fertility must in large measure depend upon a high degree of congruence between the overall society's objectives, and those of the individuals comprising that society. While the principle of free choice will not automatically assure reduction in fertility, it will be consistent with our traditional emphasis on the dignity of the individual. (BL)