Russell County is ranked number one in the state and the ranking is not one to be so very proud.

A recent survey shows Russell County teenagers, ages 15 to 19, lead the state in numbers of teen pregnancies. This report states for every 1,000 teens, 118 are getting pregnant.

Glamorization of pregnancy and low self esteem are influencing teens to have children early one reports states. We heard another report where a group of young ladies made a pact that all of them would get pregnant. They thought it would be cool.

Other reports we have read claim that schools should get more involved. Some report they should promote only abstinence, others claim the schools should promote and perhaps even furnish contraceptives.

Some claim schools should not even be involved and that parents should be the ones to work with their own teen on this issue.

Our initial thoughts are that parents should take the lead and it should be parents responsibility to direct their children.

But, what about the young man or young lady that have parents that are not capable of guiding them, or that simply do not care. Then it becomes the responsibility of all of us to do whatever we can.

Teenagers are going to be teenagers but their teenage years can be ones of joy and happy experiences rather than ones that define the rest of their lives.

You may first state it is not our problem, but your are so wrong. 80 percent of young ladies that get pregnant drop out of school and most will have another child within two years.

Many will wind up living within welfare guidelines and it is reported teen pregnancies cost Kentucky taxpayers some 150 million a year.

Our concern is not the cost, our concern is the young lives that are so dramatically changed.

It is interesting that 43 percent of adults believe that friends most influence teens’ decisions about sex.

However, 31 percent of teens surveyed said parents most influence their decisions about sex.

No doubt that the responsibility stays with the parents, if the parents are capable of so doing. But, if this is not successful then we all need to do whatever it takes to assist these young lives.

What is your opinion? It appears Russell County has a real issue with teen pregnancies, what do you think we as a community can do to better inform and direct these young lives.

Write to us at Box 190, Russell Springs or email us at news@tjrcn.com