Let’s continue to encourage fewer teen pregnancies
Once upon a time, not so long, long ago, in a land not so far away, if a female from 15 to 50, unwed, got pregnant, it was a disgrace to her family. Now? My sister in Jackson told me of a co-worker who came to work one day, excited, saying she was going to be a grandma! When asked if her daughter was married, the reply was, “Naw!” She was proud that her teenage, unmarried daughter was pregnant. Now that’s a real shame.
Once when a woman became pregnant, she and her family were responsible for the care of the child. Now? The government will, in effect, pay girls to have babies: free health care for mother-to-be and child; financial aid to clothe and care for children; WIC; and other “entitlements” as well.
Don’t get me wrong. These are very beneficial to those who need them, as well as to those who take advantage of them.
Two kids in love often ignore fate and the next thing you know, they’re parents-to-be. What’s a parent to do? Abstinence is the ONLY sure-fire way to avoid getting pregnant. Proper sex education should be a big help, too.
We’ve moved past the days of shame when your daughter gets in the family way. Let’s do something to keep the downward trend of fewer teen pregnancies happening. Something constructive. And let’s leave that to the local people, parents, teachers, doctors, clergy, and the young people themselves. An unexpected pregnancy can happen to the best of us, not just the worst.
Cameron Triplett
Brooksville
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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