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FRAGMENTS OF A PRISONER'S DIARY
intercourse is permissible only with the purpose of breeding children.
Scientifically, this vulgar utilitarianism ignores the fact that procreation does not necessarily requirc sex-intercourse. There are animals which do without it. In a certain stage of biological evolution, procrcation takes place through the division of cells. Sex is a later development, as the basis of an emotion which attains a high level of nobility in thc human species. Procreation is the biological Ly-product of that noble emotion. It may not be very long before the biological event of procreation may be altogether separated from the beautiful emotional super-structure of sex-life. Artificial creation of life is already a theorctical possibility. It will be practicable in course of time. Why should, then, women be subjected to the agony of child-bearing as a part of her religious duty or social responsibility ? Until science gives her greater frecdom, she should not be compelled to bear children except voluntarily.
However, even when artificial creation of life will be practicable, sex will remain. Men and women will be mutually attracted. Love will continue to enrich their life. Sex-act, committed as the expression of the emotion called love, will be independent of “the conception of precious life”. According to Gandhi, all hope for a decent life will disappear in that case. How, then, are we to avert that catastrophe ? The imperious march 120
