Put moral values back into teenage sexuality

ISN’T it time it was recognised that the Crisis Pregnancy Agency does what it says on the tin?

It's in a crisis.

Since its inception, its multi-million euro campaigns have gone against conventional wisdom learned the hard way in other countries, helping to drive the teenage pregnancy rate higher and the age of sexual activity lower.

The CPA's simplistic approach to make young people "think contraception, no matter where or when" is naive in the hands of binge-drinking teens.

Yet CPA chairperson Olive Braiden's crusade continues unabated she calls for studies (ie, more money) to see if rogue pharmacies are refusing to sell contraceptives on moral grounds.

Perhaps Ms Braiden could learn something from such pharmacies. It is clear that moral values, and sound judgement have gone AWOL in addressing teenage sexuality, with devastating consequences.

Furthermore, merely throwing free condoms at young people insults an intelligent generation who want to be espected, challenged and listened to.

If setting the country awash with condoms and pills is the best the CPA can offer young people, it has evidently failed us.

It is clearly time for a plan B, which needs to take on board more responsible parenting and notions of morality.

Seamus Lynch

Seaview

Portrane

Co Dublin.