UNPLANNED PREGNANCY IS NO ACCIDENT!
Submitted by Jacky on Thu, 02/28/2008 - 10:52.
"I rushed to buy 'postinor 2' twice as I thought the ones I took earlier did not work, I got pregnant anyway" A young girl told me the other day.
Young people lack proper information on the choice of contraceptives. Contraceptive solutions are clear in our minds but the big questions remain, which ones do we run to, to whom and when?
Abortion may not be the option when everything backfires but a solution. We are left to seek information from peers and most times pharmacies. Compared to the US, we count ourselves lucky that youth friendly pharmacies exist in Kenya today.
"Youth friendly pharmacies' awareness is low as young people depend on contraceptives to prevent pregnancy, without the health information" Dillon Mahoney, an American friend of mine shared during one of our 'chats'.
More information is needed to narrow our method of contraception choice, now that certain methods are not as suitable for us as others. The fresh revelation has it that the opportunity to provide knowledge starts from peer to peer approach. We need each other to be supportive, confidential and should offer referrals to appropriate resources.
After one of my classes at the university, I rushed to a supermarket to buy anything to get loose money. Condoms jazz me so I picked a condom. At the counter, the lady physically scanned me-head to toe with her eyes. Mercilessly, she asked me ”Why did you buy a condom"? I had to reply with a question
"Are you sure that you need my answer?" As I walked out of the supermarket amazed!! I asked the security guard which year we are in. He confirmed that it is 2008!
Let us not run away from the truth that we (youth) are having sex, what should worry the elders is: is it a responsible and informative sex? When you know better, you do better; parents and religious elders should be at the forefront in discussing sex and sexuality issues openly and correctly with us.
My friend always reminds me that unplanned pregnancy is no accident. Why should sex be unplanned?
FYI: The schedule mass action that was to start today in Kenya, as planned by the opposition has been post poned. Thanks to the opposition leader and Kofi Annan. Keep praying for Kenya.
