The Doctor's Part In Race Suicide

The Doctor's Part In Race Suicide

By Dr. ROLAND G. CURTIN of Philadelphia

I HAVE never heard any one who has given explanations of the question of "race suicide" speak of the PART THE DOCTOR TAKES IN THIS GREAT TRAGEDY.

By high fees he may increase the family expenses to such an extent as to plunge the young husband into debt. Where formerly in maternity cases the usual charges were from $10 to $25, they have advanced to as high as $250.

In the matter of nursing practice has changed. Formerly but little nursing was needed. Now it is necessary to have a trained nurse for weeks.

THE LARGEST NUMBER OF CHILDREN COMES FROM THE UNASSIMILATED FOREIGN POPULATION. Therefore it occurs to me that in thirty years the balance of political power will be in the hands of these children and not in those of the "strain" that has brought our country to its present position among nations.

Among the causes of the diminished birth rate not generally mentioned are the changes in the method of living. The apartment house, which is growing in favor, is a bad school for good wives and mothers, especially those that are young. CHILDREN ARE NOT WANTED in such quarters. The servant girl question often drives families to these houses. The population in the apartment houses, as a rule, turns a cold shoulder upon the woman who is a fond mother or commiserates her for her enslaved position.

ANOTHER CAUSE IS THE PURSUIT OF MANLY CALLINGS BY WOMEN. First, it makes them feel independent of marriage, and, second, they take the work from the men, so that THE MEN CANNOT AFFORD TO MARRY.

Another reason is the nervous trades, which bring on exhaustion and unfit women for maternity and housekeeping. CLERKS, STENOGRAPHERS AND SHOP AND FACTORY GIRLS ARE TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS CATEGORY.