The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Katie P. during the 2008-2009 League.
Mission: Take Action - Letter the the Editor #3
Submitted to Romeo Observer
Katie's previous letter to the Observer about the Freedom of Choice Act ignited a bit of discussion. Here is her reply to a letter than was sent to the paper in response to her initial letter.
First of all, I am seventeen. Not ten. I have two jobs, am in my senior year of high school as well as attend community college. Believe it or not, I have and use the ability to think for myself. Don’t assume that all my opinions are reflective of something or someone else.
You asked where parents are and why they aren't teaching their kids about birth control. Who's to say that they aren't? Who says that they haven't gone as far as to teach their child abstinence? I know, abstinence, what's that? But not every child follows their parents and religion blindly. (As apparently I have). It’s called peer pressure and irresponsibility. Besides, condoms break and birth control pills are not 100%.
You spoke about the hypocrisy of religion. With all due respect sir, have you ever heard of a crisis pregnancy center? There are several in this area. They offer child care supplies, counseling, some even offer shelter for pregnant, unwed mothers. The church has found an incredible way to provide for the children saved from abortion, as well as care for a scared and lost woman all throughout her pregnancy.
It's common knowledge that if you have sex, your odds of pregnancy rise substantially. Real life is about responsibility. You get a ticket; you pay a fee. You kill someone; you go to jail. You have sex and get pregnant, you should be expected to carry the child. It is not a punishment. A child is a beautiful blessing. There is someone who can love and care for it. It's called adoption. My younger brother is adopted, and he's an incredible little boy. But we can't keep teaching our kids that there is a way out. It's okay to have irresponsible sex now, because heck, you can just kill your kid. That is not acceptable. If future generations can't be taught accountability, than I am truly very afraid for our world.
