Toward Z.P.G.

The National Center for Health Statistics reported last week that the American fertility rate dropped in July to the lowest monthly level since the late 1930s. While the birth rate is still 2.5 per couple--.4 above the optimum sought by advocates of zero population growth--the figures suggested that the concept of family planning is taking firmer hold.

Some population experts theorize that the declining economy, together with rising costs for health services and education, has led many young couples to postpone marriage and children. Birth control and environmental campaigns against the population explosion have also had an effect. Liberalized abortion laws in 17 states have brought down the birth rate. University of Chicago Sociologist Donald J. Bogue has another suggestion. Among other things, says Bogue, a world in which the young reject their parents, use drugs and break laws may make parenthood seem simply less inviting than it once was.

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