There are 17 girls in Gloucester Virginia pregant, all 16 and younger, who have made a pregnancy pact.  They wanted to have babies and raise them all together.  This makes me tear up.  As a mom, i understand what it takes to raise a child (i was even a single mommy for a little while) and i know these girls have no idea what they have gotten in to.  I feel very sad for these poor babies who didn’t ask to be in this world.  i feel bad for the parents of these kids because much of the responsiblity will be on their shoulders.

People seem to be blaming movies like Juno.  i am sure that is part of the problem, however i believe for these poor girls its a much deeper issue.  After going through the things in my life i have, i can understand that need.  The need to have sex because in that moment you feel needed and special.  The strong desire to have a baby because you want that unconditional connection.  I know what i will say next is touchy and perhaps may bring on some hot comments.  Perhaps, i dare say, the parents are part of the problem.  i do not know any of them personally of course, i can only speak about my own life experiences.  Parents today are busier than ever, more distracted which can cause short tempers and seperation.  The child is off to their own devices, bored, and easily influenced.  If mom and dad don’t step in, this is the fall out that can happen.  At times i am guilty of this as well.  As parents we are raising future adults and our influence is vital.  i wonder what kind of home life they have had.  i wonder if we will hear from any of the parents who i am sure are devastated.  Maybe they will become a tv special as to how tough it is to be a teen parent.  i sincerely hope something good will become of these poor choices not just for these girls, but also for society. 

The song, Pretty Babies, sums it all up.  As parents it is up to us to arm our children with information.  i know sex ed is uncomfortable and scary.  It begins when they are young and giving their parts proper names.  After a few times, it gets easier trust me:)  There are numerous books out there too help.  You owe it to your kids!  If you are one who has older kids and has an open relationship about this subject, let me know how you do it. 

If you would like to check out all of the sad details of this story, hop on over to Time for their article.