PUTTING THE WORLD ON BIRTH CONTROL

Delegates at the U.N.'s population conference hammered out a plan that, if successful, will help control birth rates. But the arguing at this highly contentious gathering isn't over just yet; a vote on the document is expected tomorrow. The so-called "Program of Action" seeks to curb population by promoting economic development and educating women. Delegates today overcame the final sticking point in favor of Western countries by ruling that migrants did not have automatic rights to reunite with their families. The Vatican is expected to continue its opposition because the plan does not denounce abortion; it leaves the question up to the laws and customs.of the individual countries.