When I read the article, Study: Free birth control leads to fewer abortions, I had one of those “Well, duh!” moments. Of course it does, and that by itself is good. What I failed to read in the findings of this study was the rate of the spread on STD’s. Once upon a time, not too awfully long ago, a young girl’s reputation was something she coveted and protected, but I believe that is no longer the norm today.
If “free” contraceptives become the norm for America, health clinics treating STD’s will be doing a land-office business. I have two young grand- daughters, and I would really hate it if they grew up to have a reputation as the “fast ass of the freshman class.” Parents need to be involved in their children’s lives, especially in education and sexuality.
I am glad that something is being done to reduce the rate of unwanted pregnancies, especially among young girls, but this will encourage risky behavior, with accompanying unwanted results. As Mr. McKinney in “No Time for Sergeants” told a busload of recruits en route to the induction center, “Be good, and if you can’t be good, be careful.” Not only can some diseases not be cured because they are fatal, but a good reputation is easily ruined and very seldom repaired.
Cameron Triplett, Macon
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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