It is disconcerting that instead of addressing the root issues that result in adolescent pregnancies, doctors are proposing long-acting reversible contraception that includes the intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUCD) (“Young, and a mum twice over; Study sheds light on successive pregnancies among girls”; April 15).
The IUCD works by changing the uterine lining and preventing the fertilised egg from being implanted on the wall of the womb. Human life begins at conception through fertilisation, a fact of basic biological science. IUCD has the potential to cause a very early abortion.
The insertion of the device also carries potential complications which include ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy with the device in place, uterine perforation, pelvic infection and expulsion of the device.
The ability to bond through sex in marriage is critical to sexual health, family development and marital stability.
When people have sex for pleasure alone, divorced from the security, commitment, communal support and procreational capacity found in the union of marriage, they are more likely to be emotionally and mentally devastated or be depressed when their sexual relationships do not work out.
In another threat to health, recent figures have shown that more young people are diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases.
To an obese patient, a doctor would suggest diet and lifestyle modification as an option. For depression, a psychiatrist would suggest a mindset change. Why is it that when it comes to sexual behaviour, professionals are quick to propose more use of contraception instead of empowering parents to educate their children about sex and its consequences?
Parents are the best sex educators for their children. For adolescents with poor family support, they would benefit from wise mentors who can show love and trust by guiding with them.
In suggesting the contraception approach, we are already judging that our teens are incapable of lifestyle change, that they do not need to exercise self-control in every area of their lives and that they should pursue pleasure without consequences.
How do we empower our girls to say “no” to the pressure to have sex in the hope of getting more “love” from her boyfriend? How do we guide a boy to reject the myth that manhood is associated with sexual conquest?
Let us treasure our young by telling them the truth in love. They deserve it.
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