“The definition of insanity is
doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different" results.”
Most teenagers know about sex, condoms and birth control — and have ample access to it. Yet teen pregnancy rates remain unacceptably high.
If we had the courage to look honestly at teen pregnancy, we wouldn’t be satisfied with a mandate that does the equivalent of placing a tiny band-aid on a gushing artery. If we had the courage, we’d challenge our preconceived ideas about teenage behavior and sexuality and would go back to the drawing board.
Could it be that teens really are capable of self-control, moral decision-making and goal-directed behavior? That teens would adopt healthier behaviors if they got a consistent message from parents, teachers, doctors and the media that risk-avoidance, rather than simply risk-reduction, is possible and would maximize their happiness?
In every other public-health intervention, an ideal is promoted: no-smoking campaigns, no-soda-drinking campaigns. Why not in the area of teen sexuality?
“I don’t believe that this mandate springs from some hidden agenda to increase teen sexual behavior by saturating them with information about sex. It isn’t part of some hidden plot to undermine society or the rights of parents or religious organizations. I just believe that it isn’t going to work — and that our teens will continue to pay the price for our lack of courage.” conclude Anne.