The Editor, Sir:

The recent admission by the Ministry of Health that it has been giving contraceptives to children is a cause for concern. This concern is even greater when this is done without the knowledge or consent of parents.

Let me acknowledge, firstly, that this step is being taken as one aspect of the Government's well-intentioned efforts to halt the increase of pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among teens. Secondly, contraceptives per se are not bad things and those who promote their use are not bad people; they sincerely have the young person's interest at heart. Having said that, there are several issues raised by this latest revelation.

The recent reports of gang rapes in school by nine-year-old boys are one glaring example of the consequence of sex education, which is devoid of moral considerations. If our response to sexually active children is to give them condoms, we will need to start importing this commodity in smaller and smaller sizes. I am also concerned that a vague reference to 'counselling' was made, but there is very little information about the source, moral basis or duration of this counselling.

Failure rate

Condoms are known to have a failure rate, which is related to the method itself, or the correctness and consistency of use. One study of which I am aware found that 20 per cent of condom users did so on every occasion. In fact, even among couples where one party was known to be HIV-positive, about 50 per cent always used a condom. I have serious doubts that a child will be able to achieve 100 per cent condom use.

This brings me to the issue of abstinence, which, if employed, gives 100 per cent success against pregnancy and STIs, and gives adolescents the time and freedom to enjoy life and pursue their dreams. To be successful, abstinence education must satisfy certain requirements. The abstinence message must target young pre-adolescent children. The reason for this is that sexual activity begins early for many young persons.

The basis of the abstinence message is that a committed faithful relationship between mature adults is the safest context for the enjoyment of sexual pleasure and for procreation. Far from merely saying "don't have sex" , the abstinence message teaches the wisdom of avoiding behaviour which will lead to sexual arousal. In this regard, parents cannot neglect the duty of supervising the content of the material to which their children become exposed, particularly on the Internet, which is a happy hunting ground for all manner of perverts. The press is not without responsibility either because I have seen photographs of adults and even senior citizens simulating the sex act in all of our daily newspapers.

'Redemptive' component

Thirdly, the abstinence message is one part of a global character education which is intended to lead to wise behavioural choices in other aspects of the child's life. Children can only internalise and act on this message when they are taught the skills to resist negative peer pressure and to become positive peer-leaders. Although best directed at children, there is a 'redemptive' component to this message, since anyone can choose to begin to practise abstinence irrespective of the choices made in the past. In the interest of fairness, it must be said that both the ministries of Health and Education have endorsed this message.

The lack of sound family life is a major factor in the increase of socially destructive behaviour among youths. By giving contraceptives to children, in defiance of those who bear the legal responsibility for their custody, the Ministry of Health is further weakening the family by undermining parental authority and influence.

I am, etc.,

Dr. DOREEN BRADY-WEST

drbradywest@hotmail.com

Via Go-Jamaica