One issue plaguing today's society that I feel so strongly about is the issue of teenage pregnancy, and Troup County has some of the highest rates in the state. There are so many points I could try to make, but recently read an article on Fox News' online opinion section written by Anne Nolte who practices family medicine in Manhattan that says it perfectly.
“Could it be that teens really are capable of self-control, moral decision-making and goal-directed behavior? That teens would adopt healthier behaviors if they got a consistent message from parents, teachers, doctors and the media that risk-avoidance, rather than simply risk-reduction, is possible and would maximize their happiness? Could it be that we -- the adults who discount their potential for acting with integrity and maturity -- are part of the problem? In every other public-health intervention, an ideal is promoted: no-smoking campaigns, no-soda-drinking campaigns. Why not in the area of teen sexuality?I don't believe that this mandate springs from some hidden agenda to increase teen sexual behavior by saturating them with information about sex. It isn't part of some hidden plot to undermine society or the rights of parents or religious organizations. I just believe that it isn't going to work -- and that our teens will continue to pay the price for our lack of courage.”
We choose to educate America’s youth on “safe sex” practices. We show the STD slides. We tell them where babies come from. Then we hand them condoms and pills. In doing so, we show them we have no faith that they can make the wise and truly safe decision. Teenagers today have access to condoms and contraceptives at their fingertips. As Ms. Nolte mentions also in her article, “They know where to get it, when to use it and what can happen if they don't. Yet teen pregnancy rates remain unacceptably high; sexually transmitted diseases in some major cities are epidemic.” Alcoholics Anonymous has a saying that reads, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results." How long will we continue on this path before we realize that something is just not working?
I challenge you to look honestly at teen pregnancy and the astounding rates of STD’s among our youth. How effective is it to say, “You shouldn’t have sex because of the potential health risks….but since I know you will anyway, here’s a condom”? We don’t tell them, “You shouldn’t use drugs, but since you are anyway, here’s a clean needle just to be safe.” If we began to talk to these young adults as adults, showing respect and faith that they could, in fact, choose the wise path, is it possible we may see a shift? Abstinence is the only surefire way to protect our youth against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms and contraceptives are nothing more than a band-aid solution to an ever-growing gaping wound. Please support increased abstinence training in the sex education arena, not having it mentioned as just a possible alternative.
“Could it be that teens really are capable of self-control, moral decision-making and goal-directed behavior? That teens would adopt healthier behaviors if they got a consistent message from parents, teachers, doctors and the media that risk-avoidance, rather than simply risk-reduction, is possible and would maximize their happiness? Could it be that we -- the adults who discount their potential for acting with integrity and maturity -- are part of the problem? In every other public-health intervention, an ideal is promoted: no-smoking campaigns, no-soda-drinking campaigns. Why not in the area of teen sexuality?I don't believe that this mandate springs from some hidden agenda to increase teen sexual behavior by saturating them with information about sex. It isn't part of some hidden plot to undermine society or the rights of parents or religious organizations. I just believe that it isn't going to work -- and that our teens will continue to pay the price for our lack of courage.”
We choose to educate America’s youth on “safe sex” practices. We show the STD slides. We tell them where babies come from. Then we hand them condoms and pills. In doing so, we show them we have no faith that they can make the wise and truly safe decision. Teenagers today have access to condoms and contraceptives at their fingertips. As Ms. Nolte mentions also in her article, “They know where to get it, when to use it and what can happen if they don't. Yet teen pregnancy rates remain unacceptably high; sexually transmitted diseases in some major cities are epidemic.” Alcoholics Anonymous has a saying that reads, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results." How long will we continue on this path before we realize that something is just not working?
I challenge you to look honestly at teen pregnancy and the astounding rates of STD’s among our youth. How effective is it to say, “You shouldn’t have sex because of the potential health risks….but since I know you will anyway, here’s a condom”? We don’t tell them, “You shouldn’t use drugs, but since you are anyway, here’s a clean needle just to be safe.” If we began to talk to these young adults as adults, showing respect and faith that they could, in fact, choose the wise path, is it possible we may see a shift? Abstinence is the only surefire way to protect our youth against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms and contraceptives are nothing more than a band-aid solution to an ever-growing gaping wound. Please support increased abstinence training in the sex education arena, not having it mentioned as just a possible alternative.
As a former pregnancy center counselor, and new abstinence training volunteer, I am no stranger to seeing many young girls and guys get their life sidetracked. I am saddened by the way society sees this as a problem, yet refuses to give our youth credit enough to make the right decision if educated properly. Abstinence information is barely given any attention, and usually just thrown into a sex education curriculum to pacify. More emphasis should be given rather than explaining how to properly use contraceptives.
As I mentioned in an earlier blog...the children are our future....teach them well, and let them lead the way.
For Ms. Nolte's full article on Fox News online--
No comments:
Post a Comment