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A topic in Why Not got me thinking about not only teen pregnancy, but also about sex in general. I'd like to share what I said in there, in here.

My own views boil down to people being educated and knowing what they are getting into. A choice such as having sex has consequences. The media makes so many things sexual that people too young are exposed to things they shouldn't even have to worry about until they can fully consider what sex really is. Sex education doesn't start until high school and by then years of sex messages have gotten through and influenced teens to various degrees. When this sex education comes into play teens are well into puberty and quite often scoff at the education because they don't want to be told "This is how it is." The most basic message from education is "Don't do it until you're ready, for EVERYTHING you can be," which is pretty well short for abstinence and it's pretty damn effective. I just go with "Make sure you're prepared," and that runs the range from abstinence to birth control in its many forms.

In the cases where a woman can't be prepared, such as being raped, then preparation goes out the window. Ideally there wouldn't be rape whatsoever, but we don't live in an ideal world. Likewise, some measures to cope with this world are also not ideal. Abortion is a very heavy thing to think about and should be left to the woman. It is not up ANYONE else to make the choice, because it is hers and hers alone save for her partner for those accidental pregnancies (that could be prevented through good education.)

Adoption is sometimes giving up responsibility, but that responsibility comes with more than just a burden. Some people can't have children and adoption can bring them the joy of having a family. It is a way of making something good come from any kind of pregnancy.

To all aspiring mothers out there, do what you can do be ready. There's no way to truly be ready for certain things of course, but at least you can be comfortable knowing you can weather whatever life may throw at you. Know in your mind that you are strong because having and raising a child is arguably the biggest act of strength mankind will ever know.

To all men, be responsible. Know that you have the potential to bring about another life and all another person can do. Doesn't that thought want to make you give your all? If you can and want to give life then anything short of giving your best means you've let your humanity down. Know what you need to know to stand strong and give your all beside your partner.