In 1972 (yes, I remember it) we believed that not one more American woman would have to die from an amateur abortion. We believed that every female would be able to manage her body’s ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy. It seemed the only issue would be applying economic justice so that women, rich and poor, would be able to get information and services equally.
In the 1980’s the sexual revolution ended suddenly when condoms became a matter of life or death. HIV/AIDS took the list of STI’s to a whole new level as it was incurable and deathly. As Catholic high school teacher myself, I made certain condoms were available for those who made their sexual decisions long before asking my opinion. Parents may argue till they are blue-in-the-face that their teenagers are not sexually active but the only action in full view is how easily they are being fooled. The resounding settlement of this round robin conversation happens when their 11th grader is going to be a parent before graduation.
Having been in the PTA and a director of a free clinic, I can assure you, parents and keepers of the abstinence rule book are the only ones who do not get it; information does not cause sex. Hormones cause sex and information might make it safe. People who know the truth; teachers, nurses, the CDC, doctors and community workers just cannot convince non-believers that their “children” are don’ it. Therefore, it is up to those who really understand and accept the truth of the matter to offer solid, comprehensive, current information and be keepers of social health. This is the role of leaders; the servants and shepherds of community.
Some how this obvious theory has escaped the Orange County Board of Supervisors. They have taken their elected positions as license to advance their religious points of view and act as if they are the blind parents of a pregnant teen. This is not even a stretch of opinion, as Santa Ana and Anaheim are at the top of the list of cities in California in teen pregnancy rates and the OC accounts for 60% of Chlamydia cases.
Possibly these Supervisors think that they know better than the professionals, want to parent everyone’s kids, are acting as religions missionaries or are afraid of not being elected next term if they show some true stewardship. No matter their reasoning, the fact is they voted unanimously to de-fund the education and outreach program of Planned Parenthood.
This is NOT MONEY FOR ABORTIONS. This is money which is spent educating citizens of the OC on health, STI’s, reproduction, family planning and, yes, even abstinence. It is non-religious, comprehensive, age-appropriate information.
Please sign the petition and support the simple idea that withholding information is never the answer ~ supporting accurate, comprehensive, age-appropriate information is always the right thing to do.
Thank you, Zoe, for focusing on this issue and for fighting a REALLY hard fight in the OC.
Hollywood NOW hosted a conversation for the anniversary of Roe v. Wade that included high school students, who shared their perspectives. Among other things, they shared that the greatest amount of information they get about reproductive health & consequences is coming from their school. And while some were willing to talk with their parents - good sign! - others said if the school didn't teach them something, they'd just ask their friends. We need to do better for the next generation!
Your advocacy on this issue is so vital - you have the support of Hollywood NOW on this and we're so grateful that you're on it!!
Posted by: LinzND04 | March 25, 2009 at 02:34 PM