An Interesting Statistic
Janet E. Smith makes some valid points in this Detroit Free Press column about Michigan Governor Granholm's mandating contraceptive coverage by health care plans. I listen to the constant battle between the abstinance based sex-ed folk, and the purveyers of birth control camp and I don't know who to believe. They both have claims and, I'm sure, statistics that back up their opposite arguments. But then I came to these lines.The widespread promotion and provision of contraceptives inevitably nurtures a cultural acceptance of sex outside of marriage -- precisely what any culture friendly to children should be trying to reduce and prevent.Since I began teaching I've met some of those 31 percent, and let me tell you, some of them are quite damaged by the time they get to elementary school. I think I'm leaning toward abstinance education. I'm also against mandating contraceptive coverage (and Viagra coverage). Health care is expensive enough already.
In 1960, before the pill was available, the unwed pregnancy rate in the United States was 6%; now it is 31%. Figure it out. Contraceptives facilitate sex outside of marriage; sex outside of marriage with or without contraceptives is irresponsible.
Remember: All contraceptives have a significant failure rate as used in the real world. Marriage is the only reliable protection against unwed pregnancy.
Of course, we know what to call a woman who practices "natural family planning", also addressed in the column, - Mom.
Coincidentally, I found this rather thoughtful essay at Eternity Road, and this rant at Hog On Ice. They're both worth reading.
Labels: contraceptives, Detroit Free Press, Eternity Road, Hog On Ice, Jennifer Granholm, sex education
posted by Harry @ 4:20 PM
CHALLAH AKBAR
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