Population explosion

"As of July 8, 2008, the world's population is believed to be approximately 6,708,700,100. In line with population projections, this figure continues to grow at rates that were unprecedented before the 20th century, although the rate of increase has almost halved since its peak of 2.2 percent per year, which was reached in 1963. The world's population, on its current growth trajectory, is expected to reach nearly 9 billion by the year 2042. China and India, are the only two countries to have a population greater than one billion, together possess more than a third of the world's population." (source, Wikipedia)

There have never been as many human beings walking this earth as there are now. We have almost overtaken the rats and cats and the birds and the fish too I think. There seems to be no consensus on population control in the world. So many point of views co-exists.

1. Keep giving birth to children as long as nature permits. Seven, eight, nine or ten. Sometimes even more. Religion says so.
   
2. Follow the contemporary social norm of a small family. Have just one or two children.
3. Be progressive and decide not to have children at all. Zero. The world can certainly do without one more human being. There are enough around. Getting under each others feet. Fighting, killing and still giving birth to 10 more!
   
4. Be selective about parentage. Be gender specific. If it is a girl child kill it. If it is a male child, give birth (I am not at all advocating it. This is a cruel and harsh practice in many communities in North India)
   

Who will decide what is right? Is it for the religious leaders to choose or the politicians as in the government. Or the mother or the father? Or lets leave it for god to decide.