Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, February 11, 1994 TAG: 9402140321
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DIANA G. DUNLEAVY
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Although it's true that each side has a considerably different point of view, what has to be looked at, with much concentration, is how we could come together for the betterment of all and simply realize the facts:
Life is indeed precious.
Life is not perfect. We have to contend with violence, crime, poverty, homelessness, sickness and death.
Sex is taken too lightly.
The media hype sex, and, by doing so, lead kids to believe that it's the norm.
Women don't find abortion an easy choice.
It takes two people to create a child.
Education is truly the answer.
People can make a difference.
I've been on the staff of abortion facilities for most of my adult life. Now, after talking to thousands of women about their reproductive health, I find that abortion itself has become too much the issue, and preventing the need for it has been shoved to the back burner.
Abortion should be the least-desirable birth-control option. Abstinence should be taught as a strong option for young people. Birth control should be much more widely available and easier to obtain for young and old alike. Sex should be taught as a beautiful experience that shouldn't be entered into lightly and should be entered into by only caring, responsible and consenting partners.
Abortion is a very difficult choice. The women I've counseled over the years all were in great emotional turmoil and found it one of their most life-changing experiences. On the other hand, having a child one cannot handle emotionally or financially would be even more life-altering. More often than not, the father of the child is no longer involved with the situation.
Certainly there aren't any easy answers. I'd like to call on the good will and love in all of us to take action and help both the ``pro-choice'' and ``pro-life'' groups to work together to help prevent unwanted pregnancies. Adults should talk openly with their children, both male and female, about sex and birth control.
As for the fellas: Sex shouldn't be another notch on a belt, a way to boost one's ego. It should be a caring, sharing experience for which they should be ready to take responsibility. The girls? They should know they don't have to have sex to be liked. It won't make the fellas love them. They should think! Be considerate of each other, and remember there are many serious sexually transmitted diseases, of which AIDS is just one.
I wish everyone would practice safe sex, birth control or abstinence, so I wouldn't have to be their counselor.
\ Diana G. Dunleavy of Roanoke is a counselor at the Roanoke Medical Center for Women.
by CNB