You'd Have to Quit Smoking, Too

Posted by Randle Patrick McMurphy.

There was a pregnancy scare among a small group of friends of mine. A friend of a friend was "late" and the worries were building up. As far as I know, it looks negative, so she's off the hook this time. I'm glad that she's probably not pregnant because she's certainly not ready for a child. However, when I first heard the news, I was almost surprised at how indifferent I was. This was a life changing experience for this woman, and still is even she turns out not to be pregnant, but I can't seem to care at all.

I think the reason I have no sympathy for her is that this isn't something that's completely beyond her control. What I mean is, there were a number of poor decisions to be made by her to lead to this predicament. Most importantly among them: the choice to have unsafe sex. If it turned out that she was safe and that something went wrong, then for the most part, that was beyond her control, and I think I would feel a little worse for her, but the possible consequences of unprotected sex are well known and there is no excuse for an educated adult to be in such a situation. I realize that using a condom does make sex less enjoyable, but you know what's really unenjoyable? Having a child when you're in no place in your life to raise one.

If it turns out to be a false negative, and she actually is pregnant, I'm not saying it was all her fault. The father would have a lot to answer for as well. I'm saying that it's important to take responsibility for your baser instincts and be able to control them, and be smart about it.