There are a number of excellent reasons why society should support stable, two-parent families. One of the most important reasons is that those families promote the long-term interests and well-being of children.
While there are exceptions, children raised in households headed by only one parent generally perform worse academically and are more likely to get involved in crime, drugs and other social ills than children from two-parent homes are.
So it was nothing short of heartbreaking when it was revealed recently that in just one Memphis high school, roughly 20 percent of the girls were pregnant at some point during this school year. That comes to 90 expectant students at Memphis’ Frayser High School, the New York Daily News reported.
Unmarried high schoolers clearly lack the emotional maturity to care for a baby and the work skills to support one financially. So in many cases, the children will wind up being raised by extended family or will face serious neglect by overwhelmed mothers and, very often, absentee fathers. Sadly, that can put some youngsters on a path to crime, gang membership, substance abuse and so many other struggles that sharply reduce their chances for a decent, productive life.
Officials in Memphis say they are planning an all-out campaign to reduce teen pregnancy and to encourage girls to steer clear of premarital sex.