Adrian,+Sam

http://www.civilbeat.com/articles/2011/03/23/9708-hawaii-teens-have-more-abortions-than-peers/

Abstract: This article is about how Hawaii Is 17th in the nation for teenage pregnancies and 7th for abortions. In Hawaii we have a relatively high rate of unexpected pregnancies and due to cost cutting for family planning the rate could become even higher. Almost 50 percent of all pregnancies in Hawaii are unexpected and that number doesn't include the abortions. The reason for such high percentage is that teens aren't taught enough about sex education in schools.

Discussion Questions: 1. Do you think abortions are morally right for mothers to do? 2. Do you agree with the law that girls from age 14 can get abortions with parent consent or notification? 3. What are some ways the state can better educate students on safe sex? 4. What are some reasons for why women choose abortion over adoption? 5. Do you feel that in Hawaii we are more accepting of people that abort their pregnancies?

Sam's Response This article shocked me. I never realized that Hawaii had such a high rate of teenage pregnancies and abortions. It also shocked me that girls have more babies than compared to girls on the mainland. I am glad however, that Hawaii has programs like Family Planning Program to try and educated the public about sex education and help women with reproductive health. In addition, how they offer annual exams, birth control, family planning, and counciling for the community. One thing that really shocked me was that over half of all teens that are sexual active do not use condoms or practice safe sex. This is a huge reason for why Hawaii's unexpected pregnancy rate is so high. It is really sad that due to cost cuts are going to affect programs like Planned Parenthood that tries to help people of low income and non/underinsured.

Adrian's Response It is very shocking to see that Hawaii has such a high rate of abortions as well as teen pregnancies compared to other states. And I believe the only way we can lower these rates would be through education. The article stated that more than 75% of teenage pregnancies were unintended. This is sad because teenage pregnancies can always be prevented. There are many forms of contraceptives that can and should be used if the couple does not intend on having a child. But I think the main challenge is to get people educated about those contraceptives so that they will be more informed and therefore more inclined to use them. Abortions to me are always a difficult topic. Personally I think that people should have the choice to do what is best for them. If the mother feels that she cannot support and give her child a great life then she should have the choice to obtain an abortion. In addition if a girl gets raped and becomes pregnant, I don't think she should have to support a child she never intended to have in the first place. Places such as Planned Parenthood are a great way to find out more information, and help those struggling with decisions.