Sunday Herald
Government pregnancy-reduction plan is about stopping lower classes breeding, claims expert
By Sarah-Kate Templeton, Health Editor
The government's plan to cut teenage pregnancy in poor areas has been criticized by a leading sociologist, who claims it contains eugenic elements. According to Frank Furedi, a professor of sociology at the University of Kent at Canterbury and the author of Paranoid Parenting, both New Labour and Conservative governments have an "obsession" with reducing teenage pregnancy, which is driven by a desire to prevent the lower social classes from breeding. Furedi argues that such policies interfere with the private lives of individuals and can be seen as social engineering.
The Class Element and Eugenics
Professor Furedi highlights the class element in the government's focus on teenage pregnancy, stating that statistics show middle-class girls from more affluent families do not have children during their teenage years. He believes this highlights a difference in fertility policies for different social classes, indicating a form of eugenics. Furedi strongly opposes this approach as he believes it interferes with the most private aspect of people's lives.
Concerns about Contraceptive Implants and Injections
Furedi expresses particular concern about the pressure placed on young women to agree to contraceptive implants or injections that can render them infertile for up to two years. He believes these methods are being targeted at deprived single mothers and teenagers in poor areas, often as a quick and cheap solution to a perceived social problem. Dr Rosemary Barrett, a GP at Rutherglen Health Centre in Glasgow, also raises concerns about the marketing and increasing use of contraceptive injections in poor areas.
Policies Targeted at Poverty
Susan Stewart, director of family planning organization FPA Scotland, acknowledges that policies to reduce teenage pregnancy are indeed targeted at the poor. However, she argues that it is not in the best interests of deprived women to have children at a young age and face the resulting challenges in education and overall health. Stewart suggests that many young women drift into pregnancy rather than actively choosing it as the best option for themselves.
Main Article Analysis: An Attempt at Social Change or Eugenics?
The Sunday Herald article outlines sociologist Frank Furedi's criticism of government policies aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy in poor areas. Furedi argues that these policies have elements of eugenics, suggesting they are driven by a desire to prevent the lower social classes from reproducing. While Furedi's assertions raise important questions about the motivations behind such policies, it is crucial to consider the broader context and potential benefits of reducing teenage pregnancy rates in deprived areas.
Teenage pregnancy can indeed have significant social and economic consequences for both the individuals involved and society as a whole. Young parents may face challenges in completing their education and finding stable employment, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limited opportunities. Additionally, the health outcomes for teenage mothers and their children can be poorer compared to those of older mothers. Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach, including access to comprehensive sex education, contraception, and support services for young people.
It is important to differentiate between policies aimed at empowering individuals with choice and those motivated by a desire to control population growth among certain groups. While Professor Furedi raises valid concerns about potential interference with personal choices and the targeting of young, disadvantaged women, it is crucial to evaluate the intentions and outcomes of such policies in creating more equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic background.
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