Of pregnant teens and protection

About Trends, Society, ALL ARTICLES | August 1, 2006

By NUR AMALIA MOHD. ZUKI

During the 1930s, 18-year-old girls were not ashamed of their bulging bellies and their status as young mothers. Marriage was a common path to take after a girl finished secondary school, assuming they even went to school back then.

But these days, teen pregnancies have become such a taboo in our Malaysian culture. The status of being a young mother before the age of 25 is regarded as restrictive and irresponsible. These days, it seems that advancing one’s career is more important than having babies.

This term “Teen Pregnancy” seems to have evolved from one meaning to another. Literally, teen pregnancy specifically refers to the status of young women aged 13 to 19 who are pregnant. However, nowadays, the same phrase also means that a young woman of that age has had premarital intercourse resulting in pregnancy.

With reference to the second definition, somehow teen pregnancy has become more and more of an odd-norm in our culture. It is as if our Malaysian youths have undergone “Westernisation,” and it has become more of a trend these days to engage in casual sex without considering the aftermath. One consequence is getting pregnant.

“It is a natural instinct from puberty to be curious about sexual activity,�? stated obstetrics consultant and gynaecologist Dr. Jamiyah Hassan to a crowd of students at a Taylor’s College talk about being open with one’s partner in a relationship, and being aware of available options for contraceptives.

The obvious reason why teen pregnancy exists in the country is because teenagers do not know anything about sex, let alone how to avoid getting pregnant. Teenagers are so curious and excited about the subject and like to “try” things out. Unfortunately, there are rather heavy consequences to having premarital intercourse, compared to smoking or taking drugs, especially on the girls’ part. Without proper guidance, this natural instinct of curiosity within adolescence could stray towards unhealthy sexual practices.

A poll initiated by the Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) earlier last year involving 191 youths showed 66 percent of those between 16 and 21 disclosed they had friends who were engaging in casual sex. Yet only seven percent of this number admitted to having sex with their partners.

“Regrettably, the figures aren’t reflective of what’s really happening. Youths in Malaysia aren’t used to being forthcoming about sex, which is probably why the results are rather conservative,” says Media and Communication Officer, Shalina Azhar.

Of the 173 parents interviewed, 55 percent said they believed there are teens engaging in casual sex. But 92 percent of them stated they did not think their children were involved.

“This is just denial on the part of the parents,” says a teen respondent, T.S., 16. “Sex is always on the table for us, so yes, some of us are going to do it but what makes parents think their children are such angels?”

Shalina adds: “If 55 percent of the parents feel that young people are having casual sex, yet 92 percent of the same people are saying that their children are not one of them, then who do they think are doing it?”

American studies show that 4 out of 10 girls get pregnant at least once before age 20. How can we say that Malaysian girls are any better if such specific and accurate statistics are not available to date in Malaysia? The nation has to face the facts: Malaysian teens are having sex. Not only in the urban parts of the country, but also in the rural and semi-rural areas.

“When a young girl gets pregnant out of wedlock, she feels like she is wholly to blame. She has grown up in an environment where premarital sex is out of the question and becoming pregnant is a scandal,” says WAO executive director Ivy Josiah. “For her it is a desperate situation: she’s feeling scared, ashamed and worried. She doesn’t realise it’s not her responsibility alone.�? Parents, family and the community in general should therefore support her, instead of stigmatise her, Josiah adds.

Another press statement made by WAO (Nov. 14, 2002) supports the idea of sex education being taught in secondary schools to reduce the number of illegitimate children. Educating students in sex-concern matters does not mean teaching youths how to have sex. Instead, it is conveys the responsibilities and consequences related to sex before marriage.

Sad to say, however, that no further action has been taken since it was mentioned three years ago. Teenagers should at least know the types of contraceptives they can use. Unfortunately, the topic is so taboo in our society that the statement “DON’T HAVE SEX BEFORE YOU ARE MARRIED” cannot be questioned. Without any satisfactory reasons or explanations, teenagers seek out their own answers in private and secrecy.

Curiosity does kill the cat; in this case it has killed many of our youths’ futures, hopes, and dreams.

However, parents nowadays are more open to speaking freely with their children on the subject freely, as there are many positive effects that can be exploited by teenagers as motivations to engage themselves in sex.

If safe sex is practised between two people in love, the sex they have can be a form of stress reliever and would improve their physical and mental state. Sex can also be a source of emotional stability and security as well as a confidence booster. Therefore parents tend to accept the fact that their kids are “doing it,” and are more likely to educate their children on safe sex practices (such as always, always using protection!).

A website called The Expat Resource for EVERYTHING in Kuala Lumpur includes a space for discussions on Teenage Sex which seems to attract many views. In it, parents discuss on how to face the fact that their children are sexually active, give advice on safe sex and refresh their memory about the possible negative outcomes of it.

Sex is still not a casual subject but it is not foreign anymore. Parents now find it easier to be honest with their teenage children about their sexual activities, rather than pretending their children are naïve and will always remain conservative like in the olden days. Besides, it makes the parents feel more secure and assured when they themselves tutor sex education and preventive methods to their sons and daughters.

Instead of bad-mouthing and looking at pregnant teens at the corner of their eyes, perhaps society could offer console and advice towards the young pregnant mother. Help them feel cared for; make them remember they are not alone in fighting for their lives.

This way, pregnant teens would feel more secure about keeping their babies instead of relying on abortion. Besides being illegal, abortions are also expensive and thus is struck out as an option by most girls.

Unfortunately, if the teenage girl remains unmarried by the time the baby is born, the baby will forever be labelled as an illegitimate child as long as he/she lives. That’s why some young pregnant women take drastic measures by killing themselves — for them, living a life with people showing contempt towards them and their child is as good as death.

There are, of course, cases where the young teenager bounces back instead of letting guilt and suffering consume them from the inside. Bouncing back from a teen pregnancy can be tough but it can be done. A strong will is essential in overcoming obstacles while going through before and after delivery.

This is because the teenager’s life has changed dramatically due to the presence of a baby in the picture, and adaptation is crucial. She must accept that she is now responsible for the care of the baby as well as herself. Women tend to adapt better than men because they mature faster and are naturally embedded with a maternal instinct. The teenager can still achieve her goals, but she has to work twice as hard, especially if the father of the child is not willing to contribute any manner of support. While juggling a baby and her studies/work/rest of her life, she needs to stay in focus.

It is not the end of the world when a young teenager gets pregnant, although it is difficult. If all’s well that ends well, the teenager would be able to do what she wants to do and still be a responsible parent. She should be honoured to be gifted with a child and should treat the gift as a source of motivation to keep on living and reach higher than the sky.

Prevention is better than cure; in this case it refers to abstinence. It is the only 100-percent-effective method in avoiding teenage pregnancy. Perhaps the mass media can collaborate with motivators and famous speakers related to women’s and health divisions — from both the government and private sectors — in order to provide teens with information on sex and relationships.

Would such seminars find a receptive audience among our Malaysian youths? I believe so. because our teens are deprived of detailed information on sex, and such discussions would definitely draw a crowd.

Relationships are spontaneous and dynamic. They happen anywhere, at any time. It is important to shelter and safely nurture such bonds, even when sex is involved.

A word of advice to our future generations: beware unprotected sex. Be wise and stand your own ground if you choose not to have sex. There is a future just waiting to be explored; don’t tie yourself down with a stupid mistake. Teen pregnancy is a choice, not a circumstance.
–
NUR AMALIA MOHD. ZUKI is a contributing writer for theCICAK.

She is an environmentalist from Subang Jaya who harasses anyone - even little kids - who thinks the ground is just another rubbish dump. She loves to eat and sleep, but tries hard to make most of her time worth more. She believes the time we are given is all we have in this world to make the best of everything - that’s life. Fun is good too, loads of it!! She is currently a Communications student, striving to be an inspiring journalist one day.

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25 Comments so far. Post your own comment

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I absolutely agreed with the author of this well-written article.

Without a doubt, most teenager’s in Malaysia do engage in pre-maritial sex. however, when the ‘unexpected’ had happened, most would choose the easiest way out.. such as abortion, or worst; suicide..
Others should not discriminate these young mothers dispite their mistakes as they are humans too..

Nobody is perfect, dispite limitless practise…
Accidents Happens..

Hence, support by the society, family and friends are the best way to improve the traumatic situation of the youn mother..

p/s: I personally thank you Nur Amalia for such an informative piece of writting. Good luck, and i hope the social problems amongst us will improve with your help.

Thank you

Comment published by Abang Arizuan B Abang Arabi on 1 August 2006.
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Good research! Kudos to the writer.

Interesting ideas though…safe sex for stress relief…

Wonder if it would work as a pick-up line.

But seriously, youth experiment. That is what they do. Curiousity is their nature. The more our adults try to withhold it from us, the more we are inclined to find out for ourselves.

Perhaps if we were not so taboo about it, we wouldn’t find it so…appealing… kinda like forbidden fruit i guess.

Parents above all else should be more open about what sex is and its what, whys and even hows.

Comment published by cyber_tapir on 2 August 2006.
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That’s a fantastic article you just wrote!
Am very impressed!

Comment published by Natasha Haqim on 2 August 2006.
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to cyber_tapir:

thank u 4 the ‘kudos’. a pick up line ey?? Perhaps a hot scientist’s way to get a girl in bed.
how sexy…

I agree that parents shd b open about the matter, but what wld avoid teenagers from actually engaging in sex–i think–is very good religious grounds, family honour and of course maturity. if teenagers have good life basics and strong family ties, maturity will come naturally.

But for those who do practise free-sex, I wish they are more careful. I have friends who do, and sometimes I wonder wheather they are mature enough to handle the outcome. Pregnancy is not the only consequence as we all know, but nobody seem to care…much anyway.

Comment published by Amalia on 2 August 2006.
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this has got to be the most well written article cicak has ever offered…. kudos to nur amalia.. if only all malaysians could write like you

Comment published by Boss Stewie on 4 August 2006.
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Get married first ! , everything will be fine…

nowadays people always think that getting married is such a very complicated procedure and very costly…duh!!

malaysian especially muslims need to learn more on the values of getting married…

this is a quote id like to share with all ” have fun for a while.. or love for eternity….”

your choice…

Comment published by cahaya mulia on 6 August 2006.
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Encouraging people to use contraceptives may also prove useful in curbing the problem of teenage pregnancy, but unfortunately in Asia, if a girl is on ‘the pill’, it’s as good as her calling herself a slut…

Also I think more burden is put on the mother of the child as opposed to the father. Society as a whole should put an end to this and accept the fact that the boy is equally responsible for the child. Usually in such cases (teenage pregnancy), the boy often escapes blameless, often with the aid of his parents.

Last but certainly not least, we can’t talk about unwanted pregnancies without talking about abortion. Must the mother be forced to care for a child she didn’t want in the first place? While pro-life activist may call it murder, in essence, you are ‘killing’ the young mothers’ future as well by forcing her to give up on her hopes and dreams.

Comment published by Michael on 7 August 2006.
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Personally i believe that if abortion is done before 2 weeks into the pregnancy, it does not constitute murder.

Its a difficult subject indeed, but i believe that the mother has to make a responsible decision, whether its in her best interests or the baby’s best interest.

With regards to getting married early, i’m all for it, though i would be hard-pressed to find a girl who would want to even get married at 25 nowadays, especially if im into city chicks with university educations.

Comment published by cyber_tapir on 7 August 2006.
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cyber_tapir said:

Personally i believe that if abortion is done before 2 weeks into the pregnancy, it does not constitute murder.

hmm… the fact remains that the detection of pregnancy needs at least 3 wks, so not likely anyone can get away with it.

and more so we r talking abt young girls - vulnerable as they r, they’ll probably to scare to think of abortion.

like the evidence behind the writing, sort of like a hard slap to the face of those who still deny what is happening in the society.

Comment published by clarence on 9 August 2006.
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Malaysian society has to Wake Up to what’s happening around them.

Sex is being practised even so as we speak.(or rather typed out) Wether within or out of wedlock, it’s happening.

A friend may know of a friend who’s friend is doing it. So what’s the big fuss? Or they themselves is already one of the many stats.

Look..education or not, sex is very basic. Even with education, what’s stopping 2 fully charged hormonic person, who think they like each other engage in sex?

To have protective sex is another question. And it’s a personal question..to the guy and the girl.
I’m sure today’s world, most girls are able to voice out for themselves. To do or not to do, and safe or not safe.

So getting pregnant is the nett result of those thoughts. Or if it was being thought of at all.

Comment published by BC on 10 August 2006.
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Cyber_tapir - pick up line?

haha…have you tried it ?

Amalia - 100% abstinence

I totally agree that abstinence is the best solution to teen pregnancy. but seeing that it’s highly impossible for that to happen, your suggestions are the next best alternative.

Comment published by CuX on 14 August 2006.
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hahaha jangan the writer of this article write like this but also play play…

i dont have a religion but i find even people who profess to having a religion are sexually active
in fact i have met a lot of muslims who are sexually active.

anyways so ure saying safe sex is ok reasons to engage in pre-marital sex ? is pre-marital sex right ? is pre-marital sex compatible with our Asian Culture or do we say its ok because we have abadon our philosphies for the liberal and popular west ?
is there such a thing as sexual morality ? do you believe that sex education introducted to our malaysian education will only encourage more sexual activity to arise among malaysian youth and maybe even normalize sex in malaysian culture(presupposing if there is one even) ?

are malaysians ok with the idea that if sex in our society became a norm that means you are fine with a sex culture so prevalent in the west ?

yes malaysians are undergoing “westernization” in case you havent realised we are nothing more than apes of white culture
since we are ourselves are not in touch with our eastern ideas or tradition Or that asians are simpley spineless and backwards..at least i rather think of them as that these days.

we are always colonized…monkey see monkey do

Comment published by Prakash on 15 August 2006.
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well done amalia! brilliant piece of work. i actually finally realized who you were when i read the first comment. we shud meet up!

and i very much agree with your last sentence being teenage pregnancy is a choice and not a circumstance. the thing is that we do not have that.. ‘openess’ to discuss sex with our elders. be it out parents or teacher. hence, we talk about it with our friends, who at the same time is at the same level of curiousity as us. so how leh? no one has the answers, we begin looking for it ourselves.

there are loads of people like you who read, research and understand the circumstances of sex, especially teenage sex. on the other hand, there are those who never had the chance or ‘tak sempat’ to understand the implications of their actions before anything happens.

and then there is the media. as prakash says.. the media plays an important role. everyday we are exposed to more and more western movies and tv series that take sex very lightly. a romantic night out results in an evening of sex. and being teens.. we are at the most impressionable stage in our lives. it’s no wonder why we would think that way.. kan?

then again.. like i always say. we cannot speak in terms of absolute. there are many oth factors and situations that can bring that kind of result.

this is just my two cents worth at 9.55am. i woke up got on cicak and saw ur entry! i just HAD to say smth. eventhough it’s not as organized as your arguments!

well done amalia!! *hugs*

Comment published by Mars on 20 August 2006.
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oh and cyber tapir.. i thot all forms of abortions is illegal in malaysia save those that are for emergency purposes? correct me if i’m wrong. not so familiar with the malaysian law of abortion.

Comment published by Mars on 20 August 2006.
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why go for abstinence? (religion or not)
I think pregnancy is bound to happen, and whether or not there’s protection- it just sort of delays the pregnancy. How many times have we heard of girls actually starting to get worried and actually rationalize the fact that theyre having sex outside of marriage when the pregnancy test thingy turns pink? As long as it doesnt happen, it’ll keep going on. Though I dont dare say this is the case for all cases, it is inevitably true for most. So again I agree, teen pregnancy: a choice, not a consequence. Westernized or not.

Comment published by farhana on 22 August 2006.
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the thing is friends, the best way to judge the event is to look back on statistics of the 60s-90s on STD, AIDS, and teen pregnancy, by doing so you infer why the statistics may have gone up, perhaps a more relaxed view on sex will certainly increase cases of STD and AIDS and even teen pregnacy

even better, if there was data on comparing variables of AIDS, STD and teen pregnacy vs Higher acceptance of sex

then maybe u could get a clearer picture on whether western exposure is a vital factor on malaysian society.

Comment published by Valis on 22 August 2006.
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right man, i agree on that part on statistics
i just hope we dont turn into white america, cant even stand the fact flag comes so close to an american flag, really bothers me whenever i see it.

cant stand the thought if my wife isnt a virgin… seems
like keeping yourself these days gets you laughed.

now thats just my personal opinion, ok.

Comment published by Prakash on 22 August 2006.
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Dear Amalia,

As much as I admire your noble intentions in this well-structured and informative article, I have to disagree on the presentation and some of the arguments.

Much of your article is written in a ‘matter-of-fact’ style, but that was one particular unsupported statement that put me off. You wrote, “Unfortunately, there are rather heavy consequences to having premarital intercourse, compared to smoking or taking drugs, especially on the girls’ part.” I find this statement highly questionable, but I won’t go on about it.

I also find the statistics you have used to be highly unreliable. Just because teenagers and parents are unwilling to disclose personal information on their sexual practices, it does not therefore imply that they deny it or refuse to recognize it. Most parents probably know that their kids have sex. Perhaps, they feel that it is more of a question of private disclosure.

Statistics on sexual behaviour are notoriously distorted all across the world, not just in Malaysia and it is partly due to the private issue of sex and the unwillingness of respondents to be honest with their answers because of fear of embarrassment.

Now, on the heart of your argument:

You really have not shown how society’s attitudes toward sex have been a cause to these teenage pregnancies. It may make life harder for girls who experience teenage pregnancy, but for most parts it isn’t a vital reason that teenage pregnancy exists.

I believe that your strongest argument was to advocate sex education in Secondary Schools, although it wasn’t sustained long enough and then you just reverted back to the attitude problems in society.

The solution to this problem as I see it, is that the Government should have a gradual implementation of sex education into schools, starting with basic issues such as teaching students that they have a choice in saying “No�?, and dealing with peer pressure etc, before moving on to more “sensitive�? topics such as contraception.

In so doing, the Government legitimizes the fact that sex education is a serious matter that needs to be addressed, while the rest of society that does not recognize this would eventually come to follow suite.

On a final note, just to clarify - do I sense that you are putting far too much blame on the hands of teenagers? You wrote, “Curiosity does kill the cat; in this case it has killed many of our youths’ futures, hopes, and dreams.�?

Such a blatantly simple analogy does not fit into this issue. This is a fairly complicated social problem and solutions can only begin with the need recognize that the responsibility of such an issue lies on firstly on the hands the Education system (supported by the Government and teachers) because they are the ones who have the power to take action - then parents and children.

Plus, this is my very own personal opinion, but the media can also help by actually being more sensitive and LESS DISTASTEFUL in its publication of teenage pregnancies in the newspapers. They are definitely over hyping the issue while making it seem like the blame completely lies on the pregnant girls, while failing to appropriately address the source of the problems (abusive parents, family background, stupid boyfriend, startlingly obvious LACK OF SEX EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS).

Good luck with your writing and I really hope to see it improve.

From yours truly.

Comment published by Roobs on 28 August 2006.
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no one has actually answered my question on whether this acceptance safer sex is more like saying its ok for malaysians to engage in pre-marital sex or am i product of failed social educational system that programmed to feel nationalistic about malaysia ?

Comment published by Prakash on 29 August 2006.
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Prakash

Being Malayisan doesn’t mean you must not engage in pre-marital sex. In fact, it totally depends on yourself, having taking into account your self believes, religion, confidence, maturity..blah. blah. There’s no right or wrong here.

So if you fear your future wife is not a virgin then it is up to you to find a virgin wife then. But, just make sure you remain one yourself in order to be fair. To others who do not mind a non-virgin spouse, it’s also their choice to do whatever they want.:)

Life is simple…do not bother complicating it!:)

Comment published by Zero on 6 September 2006.
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Wow mars! how unexpected! Somehow i find us crossing each others’ paths at odd angles, but here we are!! and thank you to all who support as well as those who criticize.

My article is mostly focused on teen pregnancy, thus it’s a consequence of unsafe sex. The act of engaging in safer sex could help to curb illegitimate teen pregnancy, but weather its ok or not?? Like it or not, teens are more interested in sex nowadays, even as early an age as 15. I even heard a case of a 12 year old girl who sells herself under school tables for 50 cents once. In Malaysia, yes. To me, premarital sex is not ok, but its still going on. WHat are we to do?? Educate, lessen the risk, or avoid it at all(either those who’ve never done it, and even those who decide to stop practising). Westernization to blame, Asian’s culture of self-preserving from pre-marital sex is fading. I urge those who feel strongly about keeping this endangered culture alive to keep holding on to it. To those who don’t, at least bother to take care of yourselves and not get pregnant or get into trouble with STD/AIDS la. Afterall, we call ourselves people of the 21st Century, people who are well-informed and educated. Live up to it. Westernized or not.

Mars mentioned, “…there are loads of people like you who read, research and understand the circumstances of sex, especially teenage sex. on the other hand, there are those who never had the chance or ‘tak sempat’ to understand the implications of their actions before anything happens.” Teens who are going to, or already engaging in sex should talk to their friends who are more sensible, mature, and knowledgable on the subject. Ask their opinion, and they’ll give it to you. Don’t we always do that when trying to make a decision on something?? Also, there are places to go to for information and advice such as the Women’s Aid Organisation. Friends who do know, why not share the information? Is it so corny to advice other friends to be more careful with sex? If you feel embarassed to sound like a goodie-two-shoes, think of your friend who you just might safe from all the really bad possibilities just by opening your mouth and sharing. SHARING IS CARING maa!!!

Many comments brought up the roles media and the government could and should play. I totally agree with all of you on that. All the media is showing nowadays are love scenes movies/reality tv shows etcetra etcetra. It just makes us more curious, want to know what it feels like to kiss someone. Now they are not helping. Sex education being taught in school has been done in other parts of the world, and it does help to embed some feeling of responsibility. In Korea, condoms are distributed FOC in classrooms to help curb illegitimate pregnancy. I keep wondering, although this matter has been brought up so many times, why nothing drastic has been done about it in Malysia? Is this problem not addressed? Is it not really a big problem currently?? Maybe someone could answer me on this.

Roobs: When I wrote the article, I never specifically balmed society as a cause for teen pregnancy. Should it be?? I only meant to point out that, when a girl is pregnant with an illegitimate baby the society should help her, not condemn her. Let’s just say I am pregnant with aan illigitimate baby (matephorically), i would accept the fact that it is partly my fault for being irresponsible and going against religious norms and cultural values. But do i really need to have it rubbed in my face everytime I see someone passing me by?? I dont think so. Yes, its my fault. But at that point, what’s more important is for me to start thinking how to survive with a baby in tow. Not thinking of other people’s thoughts about me, and having condemnations thrown at me. Society could help lessen the burden of a pregnant teen just by not being hostile to her. That’s all. Then maybe there would be less cases of babies being thrown in rubbish bins and drainages. If I ever were pregnant with an illegitimate baby, that would be what i expect from society, and i’d want and be able to raise my child just fine. tough, but just fine. and i have the society to thank for it.

Last but not least, thank you for all the suggestions conveyed. Any thought on how teen pregnancy could be curbed and safe sex could be promoted i appreciate. But what do we do with all these talks?? are they just talks, or are we heard and could something be done??

Comment published by Amalia on 6 September 2006.
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I don’t quite agree that abstinence will be an effective measure simply because when a teenager reaches puberty, he/she becomes more acquainted with the notion of sex and would naturally be curious to explore the path of having sexual intercourse.

In my opinion which is based on observation, teens who are taught to abstain from sex would likely rebel and do it anyway.

Sex education must be made mandatory in secondary schools. Teens should be taught about the possible circumstances of having sex (i.e getting pregnant) or unprotected sex ( i.e sexually transmitted diseases) and of course, preventative measures (i.e comtraceptives).

Teens would then be equipped with the necessary knowledge to make a mature decision on whether to have sex.

I don’t using the term “westernized” is appropriate because promiscuity has always existed.. it’s just more open now.

Comment published by Anonymous on 11 October 2006.
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Hey nice.

Check out what these guys are doing in India www.morelove.in . They got a Premarital sex absitinence commitment program going on and the media loves its.

The call for Sexual abstinence is the new virginity.

www.morelove.in

Comment published by Dommu on 6 December 2006.
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Giving condoms FOC in schools and teaching teens about contraceptives methods are not going to help curb this problem, in my opinion. It’s like cutting the weeds at the top but not pulling out the roots. Maybe we should look at the root of the problem itself - sex is no longer seen as something sacred that we should keep for our lawfully wedded spouse! Once people see sex as something that is not cheap but valuable, maybe then the problem of teenage pregnancy and STDs could be reduced.

Comment published by Rachelisation on 12 April 2007.
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Well reasearched, and well written. I applaud you.

There once ran this article somewhere (I cant recall at the moment, I’m oblivious to details - forgive me) that they (and they referring to Malaysian’s AIDS council) were torn between the decision to either promote safe sex, or promote premarital sex as a big no-no. Islamic Professors, who obviously supported the latter, said that by promoting safe sex, it is somewhat encourage today’s youth to indulge in premarital intercourse.

But truth be told, we have been promoting the latter for as long as I can remember, and where do we stand now? Still swamped in the same old same old. I however support the idea of actually creating awareness of the importance of safe sex. My prediction is that this could lead to a decrease in the number of people infected with AIDS, and the throwing away of unwanted babies.

And as for the (Muslim) people who actually commit the sin of having premarital sex, let God be their judge, and God only.

Comment published by Eleena on 6 August 2007.
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