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The people who want humans to stop having babies

The people who want humans to stop having babies

Who are the “anti-natalists” and why do they want the gradual extinction of humanity?

Trending · BBC World Service

August 9, 201923m 4s

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Show Notes

Have you ever wondered what would happen to humanity if we all stopped having babies? The extinction of the human race may be a scary thought to most of us, but not for the “anti-natalists”.

They’re a thriving online community based on Facebook and Reddit that firmly believes human life only brings suffering and should therefore come to an end.

While some entertain the idea on a purely philosophical level, others say reducing the number of people on Earth is an imperative to combat climate change.

So what exactly motivates the anti-natalists? And how seriously should we take some of their rather controversial views and arguments? We have been following their conversations online and spoken to a number of anti-natalists who want a worldwide birth stop now.

Presenter: Mike Wendling Reporter: Jonathan Griffin

(Photo: Red ban sign over baby's picture. Credit: Getty Images)