Aviary Ovaries

Pigeons in Thailand may be given birth control pills to reduce the spread of the bird flu virus. Whether pigeon parents will be notifed is not confirmed by the article, although one would hope that authorities would respect the integrity of pigeon families and let parents know if their children are sexually active.

The pigeon pope is, of course, against the plan. This is perhaps unrealistic of him: extramarital pigeon sex is common in contemporary Thai society. However, I have to respect his consistent pro-life position, and also, although this is talked about less, his belief that every pigeon has the capacity for self control and sexual integrity.