The Hypocrisy of Bristol Palin: Opinion

Hello,
It's good to know that you and your boyfriend were wise and mature enough to realize that once you had decided to have sex, you were going to make sure that you did everything possible to avoid pregnancy, and that you would receive knowledge about sexual health. Good luck to you both.
Anna

Hey there,

I'm seventeen years old, and have been sexually active with my boyfriend for about a year. Most people are under the impression that all teenagers have no idea what they're doing when they start having sex, if that is the case I am certainly an exception to that rule!

My boyfriend and I discussed the issues of birth control, and what would happen in the event that I did get pregnant, and despite the fact that we were both virgins, we visited the sexual health clinic in our school before we started having sex. I was already on birth control to help control my anaemia (my periods are absolutely awful!), and while the nurse at the clinic said I was well protected with just that, we still use condoms just in case.

I realize that there are some more irresponsible teens who don't seem to care about the repercussions of unprotected sex, but I find that overall, an education system that teaches the ins and outs (pardon the pun) of birth control, and sexual health is a much more effective method with people in my age group that the religiously motivated abstinence movement.

Sure abstinence is a good thing, but when you're in love with someone and you're ready to share yourself with that person, it seems like a wiser idea to know ALL your options.

Dear Anonymous,
I write on reproductive issues, which have become part of the political arena, in case you were unaware of that. You will notice that the blog on Bristol Palin clearly states "Opinion," which means that you can either agree or disagree with my views. But you can't censor them.
Anna

Please keep politics to yourself while writing the health topics.

Dear Susan,
Thanks for your insights, which are always interesting to read.
Anna

Dear Anonymous (the first one),
Please read my blog about the American Medical Association's (AMA)report that finds that abstinence-only sex education does not result in decreased sexual activity among teens. The AMA recommends that "federal funding should be used to support sex education programs that include abstinence, condom use, and other contraceptive methods." I agree with this all inclusive program.
Anna

Condoms, Birth control pills, the diaphragm etc are also preventative methods. Will you be helping your daughters make the choice to be vegetarian because of the health benefits? ANd the high pregnancy rate is due to the overall decline in responsibility that the youth faces... Like Bristol's family taking care of her child 22 hours a day. Hmm.

Abstinence is the only thing that 100% prevents pregnancy, HIV and other STD's, self esteem issues and many, many more problems promiscuous teens face. And I would venture to say that you could scientifically conclude those who are abstinent are physically, mentally, and emotionally healthier than those who are not. Therefore, I don't believe it to be simply ideological and you can bet your beans I'll be helping my daughters make this choice because of the health benefits.
Why would you want to cut funding for something that basically teaches preventative medicine? We have such a high pregnancy rate due to the overall decline in responsibility our youth faces. Some schools have even resorted to a "no fail" policy meaning that even if they do not hand in homework, they cannot be given a 0. Our kids are constantly being taught that they don't need to improve themselves or take responsibility for their actions.
I believe that is where our problems lie and am interested to hear your thoughts.

Also, in regard to Bristol. I believe kids are much more likely to listen to someone saying "look, I didn't remain abstinent and life pretty much sucks right now because of that bad choice" than they would someone they don't believe has faced their temtations. Why do you think the best speakers for drug prevention are former addicts?