It Takes Two

Observation from seven years ago:

“It seems that a number of young men who have provided the biological material to young women to procreate have decided that the American people by default have graciously agreed to raise their children. Once the young woman declines to get an abortion, the attitude from young men seems to be, “Not my problem. Raise it yourself.” I have heard from more young women or someone calling on their behalf lately who are looking for public agency or private charitable support – free housing, transportation, diapers, and everything else. What are young people today thinking?

“Deadbeat Dads” is not a shameful status, and apparently never was.. It even appears to be a badge of honor to some “baby daddies”. “I’m not giving her anything….I’ll leave the state….I’ll work for cash off the books…..I won’t pay taxes…then she can’t get anything.” The courts establish paternity, order support, then eventually terminate parental rights when fathers disappear and don’t comply. How long will young women accept this as a way of life? Is there any help for this generation?

Children are being used as pawns in dysfunctional relationships. And the children had no voice or choice in creating the circumstances of their lives. No wonder so many children are being placed in foster or extended family dependency care. The only way I know to address this phenomenon in such cases is to attempt to rehabilitate the young women through education, character development, fostering personal responsibility and empowerment, offer parenting and life skills training, employment, etc. It is a long and hard road. But it CAN be done. It IS being done by the grace of God. One person at a time. If we are going to turn back the atrocity of abortion, we have to do a better job of supporting single mothers who lack paternal support for their children, instructing them in how to thrive in interdependent living. We also have to instruct young men on being responsible in relationships. You are EQUALLY liable for the child that results from your sexual escapades. Period. Not your parents. Not a social service agency. Not the government. Not the church. We’ll all help. But it’s time for you to MAN UP!  Parents have to teach their sons to own the consequences of their choices.”