Madam, - In response to Kate Holmquist's article "Too much too young" (Weekend Review, July 30th) the notion of giving the contraceptive pill to adolescent girls is quite simply an abomination. It is an abandonment of our authority as parents and adults in general. It is certainly thumbing our noses at basic human and moral values.
Do we even know what this medication is going to do to our young girls at a biological level, perhaps later in life? It is already known that in certain cases of rape or handicap doctors will prescribe the pill. But are we now pathologising relationships? Can we not see what giving in to the uncontrolled desires of boys is doing to them in terms of legitimising their desire to exploit and abuse? It is nonsense to speak of bowing to the "choices" of adolescents in such a matter.
Is it not obvious that parents must accept their very grave responsibility to educate and control their children of both sexes? Parents must be educated to do so.
I have concrete evidence indicating that many children do not want to learn about sexuality and the associated morality from embarrassed parents who are fumbling for words and who, at best, consider this as a once-off speech-from-the-dock.
Schools and churches have a grave responsibility to help both children and parents. However the present training of teachers and ministers of religion is totally inadequate for this work in a completely changed culture.
Do we cover our ignorance by dishing out medication and closing a blind eye to behaviour? What a terrible disservice to our children. - Yours, etc,
ANGELA MACNAMARA,
Lr Kilmacud Road,
Dublin 14.