Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, February 26, 1995 TAG: 9502240031
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: G2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DONNA L. MUSGRAVE
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Dr. G. Douglas Larsen, in his Feb. 6 letter to the editor (``Policies promote irresponsible sex''), wrote that most ``unplanned'' pregnancies are, in reality, ``planned'' pregnancies because the mother knowingly engaged in unprotected intercourse. He also said that our social policies have created dependency, and if support programs for unwed mothers were abolished, the number of illegitimate births would decrease rapidly.
I agree that our social programs do support unwed mothers, but I question whether doing away with the programs will solve the problem of illegitimate births. Teen pregnancy is a complex problem, and single women become pregnant for a variety of reasons.
Some women have misconceptions about contraception and their own physiology. Some don't use contraception because they don't acknowledge their own sexuality.
Many women simply aren't proactive about their own lives; they do not plan to become pregnant, and yet they don't plan to not become pregnant either. Others live in a culture of single motherhood without traditional role models to inspire delayed childbearing. Some enjoy a feeling of self-validation in pregnancy, as was illustrated in Beth Macy's article ``Pregnant and proud.''
Certainly, some women become pregnant in the context of a traditional marriage only to be abandoned by their partners. And finally, honest mistakes do happen to people in all economic strata. Only those who are financially capable can provide for their unplanned children without seeking assistance.
I believe the push for welfare reform has come from the recognition that entitlement programs are the main reason for our rising, crippling national debt.
Clearly, we need a change. I feel that welfare reform will more likely be successful if the causes for illegitimate births are candidly addressed as the system is overhauled.
Donna L. Musgrave is a gynecology and obstetrics physician in Roanoke.
by CNB