Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, December 22, 1993 TAG: 9401140030
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A14 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JANET McDOWELL and KATHY LaMOTTE
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
We're concerned about the exploitation of the girls who were the subject of this news story. We understand the importance of going beyond the statistics and personalizing the issue. However, these particular young teens have become the targets not only of the community's curiosity, but also of its venom. We've cringed reading letters to the editor that heaped blame and condemnation on the girls, based on their portrayal in the Roanoke Times & World-News. They could not have known the impact this would have on their young lives; this newspaper could not have not known.
We're concerned about the polarizing effect this news story has had on our community. While we're well aware that Roanoke city's statistics are substantially higher than surrounding localities, this news story seems to be leaving readers with the impression that teen pregnancy is not a serious problem beyond the city's boundaries. Another impression may be that this is primarily an African-American issue, and one confined to less-affluent families. We know this is not true. Teen pregnancies in other families and communities may be resolved differently - resulting in abortion, very early marriage or, rarely, placement for adoption - but the pregnancies and the sexual activity that leads to them are realities throughout the region, and across racial and socioeconomic lines.
Like Ted Edlich and other respondents, we hope that the energy generated by this issue can become focused on creative, effective solutions. This will require that we understand the complexity of the contributing factors. What needs are teens attempting to meet with premature sexual activity and pregnancy? We, as professionals who work with young people across the valley, have identified tremendous needs for positive attention, healthy recreational and social opportunities and a constructive vision of their futures. Accessible health care and accurate information about themselves as sexual beings are a necessity.
Are we willing to put forth the resources - yes, the money - to clearly define the needs of teens and then, as a community, to meet them in more healthy ways? Are we willing to recognize the connections between teen pregnancy and other community problems such as alcohol and other drug abuse, school failure and sexual victimization?
The solutions, like the problem, must be multidimensional. No single response will meet the needs of all teens. No single entity can reach all teens who need our help. The solution will require that not only specialized agencies and the school systems tackle the situation, but also that churches, synagogues, civic groups and, most of all, parents become involved. The Better Beginnings Coalition provides a mechanism for working together and separately to address the issue. This doesn't mean that everyone must endorse a single strategy. It simply requires that we see the responsibility we have to do what we can as guided by our own values and mission.
We appreciate the attention that this newspaper has given to the teen-pregnancy problem. We look forward to future installments, and hope that they'll be balanced, informative and will not exploit vulnerable young people.
Kathy LaMotte is outgoing co-chair and Janet McDowell is incoming co-chair for Better Beginnings Coalition of the Roanoke Valley, Inc.
by CNB