Any woman who has ever been pregnant knows how absurd it is when we hear about some young woman who did not know she was pregnant until the moment at which she is giving birth to a full-term baby. Preposterous, of course. Its more like she's not willing to take responsibility. Well, the February issue of
Seventeen
magazine focuses on "Shocking Ways You Could Get Pregnant By Accident." Huh?The cover piece does mention the option of
not
having sex, and even points out that "studies show that girls who have a big plan for their future are significantly less likely to get pregnant," but the main focus of the magazine article is not about how to avoid sex simply because you feel all tingly and your girlfriends are doing it or the guy tells you that you won't be popular if you don't. It's mainly about accepting that it'll probably happen, so this is how you talk him into a condom or how you take the pill (which, by the way, does not protect against sexually-transmitted diseases)."...sex is a natural, healthy and fun part of loving relationships." That is a fact. What
Seventeen
does not take an entire issue to explain is that every time you feel butterflies or are hot for someone, it isn't love. The issue does not spend page after page extolling the virtues of mature awe, respect, admiration, friendship, trust, etc., which take years to develop and can really only take place once you're a mature adult.Surely
Seventeen
magazine knows that the number one issue for teens is acceptance and fitting in. To be such a formidable influence in the lives of teens and to be so remiss in cheating them out of the blessings of true intimacy - instead, touting the fulfillment of urges as love justifying sex - is a sad, irresponsible, and disgusting misuse of their power.
