Dear Madam/Sir,
I respectfully disagree with “Unequal benefits for single unwed mums a matter of deterrence” (Aug 3).
The writer argues that benefits for single parents is an incentive for people to have children out of wedlock.
Children are not born out of wedlock as a result of benefits for single parents.
It is unprotected intercourse between heterosexual couples which causes unintended pregnancies.
As a matter of public interest, unprotected sex occurs for myriad reasons.
It ranges from the thrill of making love in the raw to ignorance about reproductive cycles.
Unprotected sex can also inadvertently take place when prophylactics fail.
Couples most assuredly do not have unprotected sex while thinking about the benefits that single parents will obtain.
It is the furthest on the average person’s mind before and during the deed.
Unplanned conception can be deterred through holistic sexuality education programmes, such as those already being carried out in educational institutions.
But the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry; there will be people who fall through the cracks, as well as accidents that happen.
Single-parent benefits will address these unfortunate scenarios – not incentivise more women and men to make the beast with two backs.
Thank you.
Best regards,
Laremy LEE (Mr)
(Published as “Unprotected sex, not state benefits, causes unintended pregnancies” on 4 Aug 2015 in TODAY.)
