Since I’m in a linky mode today, let me direct readers to a PDF file (cap tap to Kate D.) from the good people at the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. Entitled Magical Thinking: Young Adults’ Attitudes and Beliefs about Sex, Contraception, and Unplanned Pregnancy, it takes a detailed look at some of the issues that came up in these two posts last year.
The study looks at young adults, whom the National Campaign defines as 18-29 year olds. These aren’t minors, and yet the fatalistic attitude towards pregnancy which we often associated with younger folks is all-too-prevalent among those who surely ought to fall into the “old enough to know better” category.
A note on the National Campaign: its chair is Thomas Kean, the Republican politician who served on the 9/11 commission. Yes, Virginia, there are pro-choice Republicans who are passionately committed to women’s rights and environmental causes. Tom Kean is a good lad, and he’s a fine ally on at least some issues. Would that more in his party were of his caliber and of his views.
Great article, I must say! I was 18 when I became pregnant with my son and although I did know that pregnancy could happen to me, I viewed an unplanned pregnancy as not that big of a deal. I don’t think I truly understood the sacrifices I would have to make as a single mother trying to finish a college degree. I can’t say I have any regrets though. He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
Your article is informative..!
(Isaq)