Britany Jackson

Over the weekend, I was watching the Lifetime channel when the movie “The Pregnancy Pact” aired. Previews had been running for weeks and it seemed really interesting.

The movie is based on a true story that took place at Gloucester High School in Massachusetts a couple of years ago. Seventeen teenagers (all around the age of 15) made a pact to get pregnant at the same time. They all thought it would be cool to have a baby that would love them unconditionally.

A counselor at the school noticed the increase in pregnancies and tried her best to drum of support for making contraceptives available in the school. That didn’t work and she resigned. Many parents felt that providing contraceptives to teens pretty much amounted to giving them the green light to go out and have sexual intercourse.

I came away from the movie thinking that surely many of those teenagers now regret the decision that left them in the difficult of position of trying to care for a new baby while trying to finish high school at the same time.

I have to agree with the movie’s counselor. Contraceptives should be provided to teens because – believe it or not – teens are engaging in sexual activity. Not all will admit it because of the effect that admission would have on their parents. Still, it’s true and I really feel that teens should be protected.

Sex and pregnancy aren’t easy topics to discuss with adults, particularly parents, but topics that warrant discussion. Which of these is better: An uncomfortable conversation about sex and getting the protection needed? Or not talking about it at all and finding yourself facing the consequences of pregnancy and/or disease?

(Brittany is a senior at Middle College High School. If you have a story idea or note for Brittany, email her at iteen@tri-statedefender.com)