Pregnancy doesn’t impact just one person; it impacts three: a woman, her partner, and her unborn child. For that reason alone, teens and young adults must be responsible when it comes to sex.
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Everyday we make choices. What will I wear today? Where will I eat lunch? When will I go to sleep tonight? Although there are some choices we can’t control, we usually have the authority to make our own decisions. To me, the phrase “personal responsibility” simply means being held accountable for the choices we make. When it comes to pregnancy planning and prevention, personal responsibility takes on an important role. That’s because a pregnancy doesn’t impact just one person; it impacts three: a woman, her partner, and her unborn child. For that reason alone, teens and young adults must be responsible when it comes to sex.
I firmly believe that God created sex as a gift to be shared only between a husband and his wife. But not everyone agrees. Most children are growing up in a society where sex is considered a normal part of adolescence. But, that doesn’t mean adults should ignore it. If teens are not going to wait until marriage to have sex, we must show them how to be responsible with their bodies. Personal responsibility must be taught. And, when it comes to pregnancy prevention, teens must have good teachers. Remember, this choice isn’t affecting one life, it’s affecting at least three. That’s why it’s so important for young people to have strong role models in their lives. People they trust. People that listen. People who can help them make responsible decisions.
When more teens and young adults understand the importance of responsible behavior, there will be fewer unwanted and unplanned pregnancies.
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About the Author
Amie McLain works as a television anchor/ reporter for WRIC-TV in Richmond, VA. She’s a proud native of New Orleans, LA. Amie comes Richmond after spending time at NBC-2 in Ft. Meyers, FL. Prior to her time in the Sunshine State, Amie worked at the NBC station in Hagerstown, MD for two years as the weekend anchor and nightside reporter. Amie is a graduate of Howard University’s John H. Johnson School of Communications in Washington, DC. While in the nation’s capital, Amie also interned at some of the top media networks, including CNN, NPR, and BET.
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