Kurt Vonnegut and Reproductive Rights - "2BR02B (Courtesy of the Public Domain)

(digital artwork by C. Sexton)

Kurt Vonnegut Jr.'s short story "2BR02B" explores a future where the government controls population growth through draconian measures, offering a powerful commentary on present-day reproductive rights and state interference. In this dystopian world, for every new baby born, someone must voluntarily die, enforcing a strict population balance. This policy, managed by a federal bureau aptly titled "The Federal Bureau of Termination", highlights the extreme lengths to which government can go to regulate individual lives in the name of a perceived 'greater good.'

From both conservative and liberal points of view, "2BR02B" can be seen as a critique of excessive governmental control over personal freedoms, particularly when it comes to who holds the authority to determine who gets to live or die. From a conservative perspective, Vonnegut's depiction of population control might be considered governmental overreach, while liberal sentiment might raise concerns on issues relating to overpopulation and the availability of resources both now and in the future. So is there a right or wrong in this matter? Whatever the stance, decisions about such critical issues should return to the hands of the people and, for some, to divine guidance, where it can neatly land in the middle of considerations rather than being dictated by divisive extremism. 

At present, world citizens, particularly Americans, seem to increasingly find themselves bushwhacked between right and left dogma, that if left unchecked will inevitably usher in a utopian nightmare or dystopian ideal rendering those who have been misguided or indifferent helpless to the realization of the part they played in the deconstruction of authentic human freedom.  

Click here to read or listen. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the audio file.