Commentary

'Dem a raffle up an a dip.'

A LETTER TO the Pastor in yesterday's STAR entitled '17 and pregnant again' gives cause for serious consideration.

The letter, written by a 17 year-old from Clarendon, describes her as being pregnant for the fourth time. According to her, she has already had three abortions, but believes she is now ready to have this child.

Added to this, she has five possibilities of who the father may be. She believes, however, this problem can easily be remedied as she is willing to love anyone who proves to be the father. She claims she cares about the men she has slept with so choosing one will not be a problem.

About condoms, the teenager suggests she might be allergic to them. She also implies she may have an infection as there are 'funny colours' on her underwear.

The question here is what has happened to her parents. In a time when even some financially stable parents can barely provide for their families, what makes this child believe she can afford a child?

Far too many teenagers are finding themselves in this girl's predicament. With millions spent each year on HIV/AIDS and contraceptive campaigns and guidance programmes in schools, one wonders why they continue to fall into these situations. These young ladies need to take stock of their lives before it is too late.