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Radical Alternatives To UK Teen Pregnancy

25 October 2006

The British government recently took an unprecedented turn in its attempt to bring down the nation's rate of teen pregnancy, the highest in Europe.

In the past, it has had handed out morning after pills in schools and given sex guides to teach children how to use condoms.

Now, its Teenage Pregnancy Unit will attempt to persuade teeangers to delay their first sexual encounters until they reach the age of 16.

According to a report in the Daily Telegraph newspaper, statistics show that a rising number of girls under 14 are becoming pregnant. The government's target of halving teen pregnancies by 2010 is unlikely to be reached.

Sexual infections are at 'epidemic proportions', with last year chlamidia cases surpassed 100,000 for the first time.

Now, as well as a national media campaign, youth workers, school nurses and teachers are to receive training in pushing the wisdom of waiting.

One consultant working on the government's scheme says, 'Teenagers need to develop the skills and confidence to be able to say "no".'

Mal Fletcher, director of Next Wave International, says, 'The government's not going far enough.'

'Too many people are throwing their arms in the air and saying, "Hey, it's no good stretching celibacy beyond the age of 16 -- because young people just can't say 'no' after that!"

'It's an insult to our kids -- saying they can't learn self-control, just because some of their parents find it impossible!'

'If we keep lowering the bar of our expectations, how can we expect anything other than a matching of those expectations?'

'We've rejected some of the greatest teaching on human sexuality and how to find true intimacy by throwing out exposure to Christian values and teaching. We need more than government targets -- we need to take another look at the spiritual side of sexuality and stop denying our kids the chance to prove their maturity.'

Mal is the producer of the 30 minute documentary 'Celibacy: Why Wait?'. The film looks at a positive, radical alternative to growing promiscuity. For a FREE viewing, click here: High or Low quality. Or visit edges.tv.