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Being a teen today is challenging. Add to that an unwanted pregnancy, it becomes a disaster. Pregnancy should be a happy and wanted situation but that isn't the situation for pregnant teens. If you look at the facts, they ring out loud and clear: abstinence does not work and teens today need not only information but access to birth control.
Lindsay Lohan blogged this week about Bristol Palin's pregnancy and made some fantastic points:
-"I get Sarah Palin's views against abortion, but i would much prefer to hear more about what she can do for our country rather than how her daughter is going to have a child no matter what."
-"i think that girls that are CHOOSING to be sexually active and are making a conscious decision to grow up faster..... I think that parents need to recognize how important it is to talk to their children about the things that can result from being sexually active if they aren't protecting themselves (birth control, condoms, etc.)"
I completely agree and made the same point in my syndicated column this month: Lessons from the Gloucester Teens: Babies are Responsibility! Parents must begin to understand our kids are individuals who will make decisions based on their perceived needs and facts. The only way we can help keep them safe is to arm them with real information and be receptive to honest discussions, even if we morally disagree with their choices. My column goes into much more detail but the highlights are that what our kids need to be safe is:
-Accurate and honest information
-A discussion of consequences
-Problem solving ways to keep themselves safe – that is, an honest talk of birth control
-The knowledge they can turn to their parents if something goes wrong
What if something goes wrong? What if our teen daugther becomes pregnant or teen son gets a teen girl pregnant? What is the right thing to do?
The right thing to do is find a path that allows the teens to learn form their mistake while moving on with their lives. There are many other options more appropriate than marriage and forced parenthood. I'm very concerned for these teens - especially given the father of Bristol Palin's child has already gone on record indicating he doesn't want kids yet. Irresponsible? Not when you consider he's only 18. He's just acting is age.
Hopefully, talking a bit about Bristol's situation can spare another teen and family the same fate. As the RNC goes on this week, look at Bristol and her Fiance and ask yourself if that is the fate you'd
want for your teens. If not, change your approach. It really is that simple.
BIO:
I’m a pediatrician, health journalist, mother, wife, musician, Starbucks frequenter, and lover of popular culture. With so many hats, no wonder my head is flattening! If all goes well, we’ll share a virtual cup o’jo from time to time and learn something new about the world. Thanks for stopping by and giving me a few minutes of the time I know you have precious little of these days!
VISIT DR. GWENN:
http://pediatricsnow.blogspot.com/
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