The Editor, Sir:

I am deeply saddened by the large number of teenagers getting pregnant year after year. My heart goes out to the innocent ones that are sometimes manipulated and/or raped. But there are some teenagers who get pregnant from unprotected sexual acts.

Everyone including teenagers can keep themselves up to date through the Internet on what is the latest form of contraceptives on the market. Also, protective devices are sold over the counter and in every parish.

I am not encouraging teenagers to have sex, but no matter what measures are put in place, they will follow natural desires and there is also the peer pressure factor to follow the crowd and start having sex, most times than not, unprotected.

There are sexual predators who also put added pressure on the teen, especially when a lot of parents shy away from any discussion that involves sex.

Parents need to be proactive and have healthy sexual discussions with their children when they are being pressured to engage in sexual activities.

I am, etc.,

WARREN HALL

warway9@yahoo.com