Editorial: Don't go it alone
By: Editorial Board
Issue date: 1/26/07 Section: Ed-Op
Originally published: 1/26/07 at 3:51 PM EST
Last update: 1/26/07 at 3:50 PM EST
Originally published: 1/26/07 at 3:51 PM EST
Last update: 1/26/07 at 3:50 PM EST
- Page 1 of 1
This week's tragedy in Drexel Hill compels us all to reexamine the type of society we live in. For every story like this that we read in the news, there are many more women who feel helpless when confronted with an unplanned pregnancy.
Although the authorities have not yet determined whether or not the baby was born alive, the fact that it was kept in a car trunk is troubling. It is impossible for us to know the mother's motives or her mental state at the time.
One thing we can conclude is that class, although important, cannot solely explain what happened. The affluence of the Drexel Hill family suggests that something else is at work here. Something drove this woman to conceal her pregnancy, going so far as to avoid medical care and hide the baby.
This reflects society as a whole. We are all to blame in some part. There is a stigma attached to out-of-wedlock pregnancy, which discourages women from seeking the help they need. We should work toward a society where young pregnant women do not feel alone, ostracized or ashamed.
We must be supportive of these women, both materially and emotionally, and we must be supportive of their decisions as well. Young fathers also have a critical role in this. That's what it will take to reduce these tragic situations.
If you or someone you know is faced with an unplanned pregnancy, know that help is out there. The Drexel Student Health Center provides medical care to all students for just $10. The Counseling Center provides counseling services for free. Both are staffed by trained professionals who adhere to strict confidentiality. There are also Planned Parenthood and Amnion Crisis Pregnancy Centers in the area.
Help is available irrespective of medical insurance or financial means. Help is there for you no matter what your decision regarding the pregnancy.
If you are considering abandoning a baby, don't. There are other options, including Safe Haven laws. You can give up a baby at any hospital in Pennsylvania without getting into trouble as long as the baby isn't abused or harmed. Also, you do not have to disclose your identity. Just give the baby to a doctor or nurse, and it will receive medical care and a home.
There are even options available if you change your mind in future and want to play a role in the child's life.
Young mothers, please don't face this alone. There are options out there and groups and individuals who will support you.
Although the authorities have not yet determined whether or not the baby was born alive, the fact that it was kept in a car trunk is troubling. It is impossible for us to know the mother's motives or her mental state at the time.
One thing we can conclude is that class, although important, cannot solely explain what happened. The affluence of the Drexel Hill family suggests that something else is at work here. Something drove this woman to conceal her pregnancy, going so far as to avoid medical care and hide the baby.
This reflects society as a whole. We are all to blame in some part. There is a stigma attached to out-of-wedlock pregnancy, which discourages women from seeking the help they need. We should work toward a society where young pregnant women do not feel alone, ostracized or ashamed.
We must be supportive of these women, both materially and emotionally, and we must be supportive of their decisions as well. Young fathers also have a critical role in this. That's what it will take to reduce these tragic situations.
If you or someone you know is faced with an unplanned pregnancy, know that help is out there. The Drexel Student Health Center provides medical care to all students for just $10. The Counseling Center provides counseling services for free. Both are staffed by trained professionals who adhere to strict confidentiality. There are also Planned Parenthood and Amnion Crisis Pregnancy Centers in the area.
Help is available irrespective of medical insurance or financial means. Help is there for you no matter what your decision regarding the pregnancy.
If you are considering abandoning a baby, don't. There are other options, including Safe Haven laws. You can give up a baby at any hospital in Pennsylvania without getting into trouble as long as the baby isn't abused or harmed. Also, you do not have to disclose your identity. Just give the baby to a doctor or nurse, and it will receive medical care and a home.
There are even options available if you change your mind in future and want to play a role in the child's life.
Young mothers, please don't face this alone. There are options out there and groups and individuals who will support you.
Jim Styer
posted 1/28/07 @ 2:37 AM EST
Please don't put pregnancy centers and Planned Parenthood in the same category; they are much different.
Pregnancy centers offer pregnancy tests, ultrasound, counseling and support through direct help and through referrals throughout pregnancy. (Continued…)