A few weeks ago, I decided to see what a local library had available on the abortion issue. I searched the online catalog for “abortion,” “women’s rights,” and “feminism” and jotted down a few titles.
The book I found in the young adults section turned out to be the biggest surprise. I wasn’t surprised by its content, already being familiar with the author; but I was concerned that the library had it sitting in the “Young Adults” section. Curious, I checked it out and took it home. Over the next two weeks, my husband and I read and discussed it.
The tone of the book was just plain scary, considering its intended audience – impressionable teens. Had the author taken a educational tone that meant to inform young people about issues involving sex and abortion, I would not have been so concerned (even if I disagreed). This book, however, was – and I don’t use the term lightly – propaganda.
For example, the author encouraged sexual promiscuity and barely mentioned the potential risks of such behaviors: STDs, pregnancy, heartbreak, etc. Then she gave her “dos” and “dont’s” list. I found myself rolling my eyes when I read one of her few “don’ts”: having sex with a guy who is “anti-choice.”
The author also did a poor job (intentionally?) of explaining a young woman’s options if she does get pregnant. Unsurprisingly, the author encouraged young women to go to Planned Parenthood for all their needs. The author was very clear that never, never should a young woman go to a pregnancy resource center. They’ll just lie and manipulate her into – gasp – keeping her baby. And they’ll do it by offering her free, confidential service like rent assistance and diapers. Oh, the horror!
It’s not secret that the abortion industry, Planned Parenthood especially, targets young people. As pro-lifers, we need to keep a watchful eye for things like this book. My husband and I wrote a note to our library when we returned the book, explaining our concerns. And hopefully, in just a small way, we made a difference.