Sex Education Clinics for Teens
As a teen-ager, I would like to commend Peirce for his column about the positive aspects of teen-age health clinics established in St. Paul. He notes that the clinics in St. Paul have done much to reduce the number of teen-age pregnancies in the last 13 years by providing birth control and other medical services.
Teen-age health clinics are a much needed service for today’s adolescents. We live in a society that pushes sex in TV, movies, books and music. Yet, adults expect teen-agers to ignore that and remain virgins. It doesn’t make sense.
Conservative opponents of high school clinics allege that the availability of birth control encourages teens to become sexually active. I strongly disagree. Contraceptives promote safety against unwanted pregnancies.
Adolescents have a choice. If they weren’t sexually active before, chances are they’re not going to be active now that they can get protection. I’m sure there are teen-agers who aren’t ready for sex and know it.
Today’s teen-agers are growing up fast. They deserve the same medical attention that adults receive.
ROBIN L. YEARY
Torrance
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