http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/opinion/entries/2009/05/15/too_many_unwed_mothers.html

The government reports that nearly four out of 10 births in the United States is to an unwed mother. In 1980, the figure was just 18 percent. The figure in Europe is even higher, with some countries hitting nearly 60 percent of births to unwed mothers.

Teens are part of the trend — who can forget Bristol Palin? — but more women in their 20s and 30s also are having babies without getting married.

While some of the fathers in these relationships might be actively involved in parenting, the danger is that more and more children will be growing up without the benefit of fathers taking a long-term interest in them. That would be a terrible trend.

Children thrive best when an involved father and mother share responsibility. Children in homes without fathers are more likely to be poor. Fathers help young men to control their anger and young women to obtain self-confidence.

What can or should be done to halt this trend toward unwed births? Take our poll. The poll has several options, so you can take it more than once.

1 - Nothing, it's the new normal.
2 - Improve sex ed in schools.
3 - Prosecute men who have sex with girls.
4 - Explain to young women the important role of fathers.
5 - Improve access to abortion.
6 - Restrict the number of children for which unwed mothers can get public assistance.
7 - Other (option)

All of 1-6, but you need to add to #4 that boys are taught the importance as well.

I was married, but ended up raising my children alone (he didn't even want to visit). He had (still has) anger issues, so I have to disagree with the part about "Fathers help young men to control their anger" because he would have set a very bad example. The are exceptions to everything, but I agree in general terms with what you posted.

BIRTH. CONTROL!!!!

Why can't ya pop a little pill once a day??


Tammy

arrrggghhh realized didnt post my own response

I chose #7 - personal values should begin and be reinforced at home.

7 make it a privilege to have children not a right. make i.q. a determining factor for birth rights. that way there will be a) less stupid people, which will lead to b) lower crime rate, which will end up at c) a higher standard of living.

well as pointed out that the boys need to be taught the role of fathers tru dat

but the court system needs to be taufght the importance of fathers as well

and fran if your #7 was there then the rest would fall into place

I was one of those UNWED MOTHERS in the 1980's, my children were not planned but I took responcabilty for my actions.......

Some situations can not be boiled down to this little list.

I was on birth control when I became pregnant.....it happens....nothing is foul proof. I never received public assistance instead I worked my ass off at 3 jobs to support my children and myself. Unfortunately when my oldest was 8 months old and I was 2 months pregnant with my youngest, their father was killed in a car accident.

My children have grown up to be responsibel well rounded adults....yes they have some issues but no more than those children that have grown up with both parents in the home.

Until you are in that situation or any other no one should judge....you have no idea what happens and each case is different. There are too many variable to sum it up to a father being in the home.

and who is to set the standard

and what if upon setting the standard you did not qualify

would you feel the same way

and this was tried in the past remember nazi germany

I must be a bit slow - how do you propose to make reproduction a privilege? who do you think should say who is prepared or right for parenting? by whose standards?

Less stupid people - gene selection or a guess?
lower crime rate - less population or smarter criminals?

{{{{adj}}}}}

I agree with Ms. Fran. There is definately a break down at in home and social environment. Is not something that can be controlled by government!

"That would be a terrible trend."

agreed, long term sustainable trend that will eventually become part of our culture....how to reverse this trend...don't know really..perhaps better marketing..

roco

what about incentives???

well obviously i would set the standard.
and being my own worst critic i would not qualify.
i do feel the same way still, it is for the greater good.
it was tried in the past and i believe that eugenics is a very good way to decide who can have children.

What if something about you was determined 'wrong'? How would you feel to be told that you couldn't have children because you were deemed by the 'authority' to be socially inadequate to have children?

like i said greater good

well for the greater good

1 million people need to be euthanized

and you are picked

hey it is for the greater good

will you walk into the death room or need to be forced

no one has the right to decide who can or can't have children

Who has the right to determine the 'greater good'? I definately don't think there is anyone on this earth wise enough to determine or control the 'greater good' of others!

I'm sorry but don't you think we live by enough rules these days......

I for one do not think anyway has the right to tell another if they can or can not have children or do anything else with their lives..........

the greater good also must contain free will