AbstractThe children of the 21st century may benefit greatly from advances in both biomedical and psychological research. If our children are to have a good future, however, pediatric psychologists must join with others in the attempt to resolve a key bioethical issue relating to world population growth and the quality of life. As one example of the many biomedical research possibilities, the continued mapping of human chromosomes will forseeably disclose hundreds of new genetic diseases affecting children, many of which will be preventable or treatable. Psychological research with promise includes new developments in intellectual evaluation, advice to parents, screening and early intervention, and behavior modification. The problem is that medical advances inadvertently contribute to the world population explosion and often convert diseases from fatal ones into conditions involving long‐term disability. The strain on the psychological resources of society thus threatens to increase beyond tolerable limits. This dilemma must be faced squarely by those who hope to benefit from contemplation of the future.