George,

I am disappointed that the Pregnancy Centers of Central Virginia (formerly known as the Pregnancy Center of Charlottesville) has asked and received money to teach teenagers that Pledging to stay a Virgin until Marriage seems to be a "better idea" than teaching emotional and physical ramifications of having sex. Teenagers and children are being brought up in a world that sexuality is a very visable part of our culture. Kids need information because they will be sexually active even without care for personal safety or health. I met a twelve year old, while I was washing my hands at the sink in the Mall restroom, ask me how she should please her man. She was surrounded by four girls of similar ages and they were giggling. I was shocked and for once did not know how to respond. I decided to ask if she was on birth control and used condoms? Unfortuately, her answer was no.

Another part of my disagreement with the Pregnancy Centers taking the grant money is that Religious Groups try to shame kids or adults for being sexually active. That kind of pressure to conform or repent leads some to commit suicide. I do not feel that this kind of shaming provides for good mental health.

I wish that the people who are Pro-Life would start adopting unwanted and battered children who can't protect themselves. I would be overjoyed if the Pregnancy Center would start funding for those poor childrens physical and emotional needs because those kids did not ask to be born.

Tammy Londeree (electronic mail, July 13, 2006)