I was concerned after reading “A family matter: Artificial birth control root cause of breakdown in family” (Commentary, Aug. 13). I find it disturbing that Philip F. Lawler blames contraceptives for society’s problems. In fact, my experience is an example of how contraceptives can help prevent such problems.
I am a 26-year-old, unmarried woman, and access to contraceptives and education about their proper use have enabled me to act responsibly and postpone pregnancy until a time when I am ready, willing and financially able to be the best parent I can be.
But not every woman is so fortunate. Several times every year, conservative members of Congress attempt to eliminate the limited funds that provide access to family planning services for low-income women. Mr. Lawler should be happy to know that for every one tax dollar invested in such programs to prevent pregnancy, more than three tax dollars are saved in subsequent medical and social treatment costs.
The international family planning programs that Mr. Lawler decries actually are a very small portion of the federal budget, and they help prevent the spread of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases in countries where the rates of disease are much higher than they are in the United States.
We all benefit from less disease, even in other countries.
In my experience, ignorance is neither preferable to knowledge nor more godly.
I invite Mr. Lawler to join those of us who are trying to improve our community–indeed, our global community–by supporting access to contraception and responsible education to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
