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Letter
to the Editor of The Hamilton Spectator
Regarding March 10, 2004 Article
'Abstain from Sex As a Teen, But Pay Later'
It
is of some concern to note that the Family Planning Clinic
states that the difference in STD rates of 2.8 percent
for those that pledged abstinence versus 3.5 percent for
those that did not is insignificant. I suppose that if
the comparison was 0 percent to 3.8 percent they would
say that was only marginal. The point is that those who
did not pledge abstinence have a rate which is25% higher
than those did and that is great news. In Hamilton alone
that would translate into approximately 400 fewer cases
of STD's which certainly seems like something to cheer
about. 400 fewer young adults going into marriage with
an STD is stupendous!
Of
course, if you are from the camp that profits from teenage
pre-marital sexual activity then it is a cause for concern.
Less teens buying condoms and contraceptives. Less teens
frequenting sexual health clinics which prefer to equip
our children for safe fornication in a non-judgmental
way. We wouldn't want to think that this Family Planning
Clinic is concerned about the loss of business, but why
would 400 fewer cases of STD's in Hamilton alone be deemed
insignificant. I think it is because the youth are getting
wise to the lie of safe-sex and those who have profited
from the lie are feeling the squeeze. Kudos to the wiser
youth, shame on the profiteers. It seems they would prefer
that our youth get their dose of STD's sooner than later.
Jim
Enos
Chair, Healthy Living Committee
Vice-President, Hamilton-Wentworth Family Action Council
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