Eva M. Clayton: “I think we are all sensitive when we raise a flag and say this is a problem, that people will want to reject us because…”

“I think we are all sensitive when we raise a flag and say this is a problem, that people will want to reject us because indeed we are repeating. But we have to do what we have to do to get them to know. I am confident that when people understand the seriousness of it, they will respond appropriately. I am hopeful that the education and prevention will get people aware enough to take some things in their own hands. I have also been startled by the increase of sexually transferred disease, which we thought had been abolished almost. That has been increasing. Again that is something people can take responsibility for and control. Education is a key in that. We need to get our churches involved. As you said, the condemnation needs to be put in perspective of educating people to take responsibility now that they know they need to do these things. You and I both are interested in the whole issue of teenage pregnancy, this is related. If indeed we do not involve our young people very early in the whole issue of abstinence and telling them about a far more productive life and giving them some opportunities to expand their life beyond being in an environment that is conducive to destructive behavior. In addition to that, we also have to be honest about the whole sexual education and protecting young people and giving them information that empowers them to know the consequences of their behavior.”