"No, Michael, not at all. I'm arguing that the patriarchal system of values embedded in our social, cultural, legal, political, religious traditions/institutions, have and continue to have overpowering "opinions" about the sexuality of women. These "opinions" (social pressures/norms/constraints) about how, when, with whom to have (not have) sex, about how to define sexuality and its standards, etc, creates an environment for girls/women where many more unwanted pregnancies present themselves than would otherwise be the case. If information on reproduction/sexuality/contraception and contraceptive methods is not free flowing, if we're not truthful and open about the natural and social pressures that guide/dictate our sexual behavior because it steps on the toes of our traditions and institutions, then lots of unwanted pregnancies are inevitable. So then what? Deal with it? Legal/illegal abortion? These traditions and institutions drenched with archaic patriarchal values, result in an increased need -- than would be the case in the absence of those pressures -- for women to use abortion to remain within social norms."
There's a lot of truth in what Diane writes. I have often seen it reported that younger women will not use contraceptives because it makes men think that "they want sex and are sluts." If a woman's desire for sex (and consequent self-protection) did not brand her a "slut", more women would use protection and know how to use it, and fewer abortions would be necessary.
It's extremely important to talk to kids about sex, honestly and early ...so the habit and the trust gets established. Twelve is too late; sixteen is too late. When they start asking questions...at 5 or so, you start. This makes for some very funny stories: like my daughter, when she was seven, asking after the initial expose, "so, then, if you want two kids, you have to put two penises in?"
A friend who is a shrink tells me he gets a lot of business from doctors who are unable to talk to their patients about sex, up to and including birth control, and who send him these patients....Think about it, in fucking Berkeley California, you wind up going to a shrink if you have questions about sex!!!
You'd be amazed at how hard it is to get information if you're not in a big city and surrounded by supportive friends.
Joanna