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What is this?
Face the problem head-on
Published Saturday, August 29, 2009
Someone once told me that a newspaper serves as a mirror of the community, reflecting the community it serves and, at times, encouraging change.
Over the past few days, we have received a fair amount of criticism on a story we published in the Thursday edition, featuring two local, young women who gave birth to their first children.
What made the story interesting — and decidedly newsworthy — was the fact the two young women were sisters and gave birth to their sons within three hours of each other.
The criticism leveled upon us was not the fact we did such a story but that the story “gloried teen pregnancy.”
Over the past few days, I and others in the newsroom received phone calls and emails complaining of the story and the perception that we as a newspaper were endorsing the choices these young women had made.
Nothing could have been further from the truth.
In reading the story, in no way did we offer any opinion – pro or otherwise – on the choices made and the results of those choices. The story stated the facts, offered accurate quotes and told of an event that doesn’t happen every day.
The letters, phone calls and emails prove to me though that Suffolk is a community with passion and spirit. Residents feel such a tremendous ownership of this newspaper that they do not hesitate to offer their opinions.
That passion also offers this community a tremendous opportunity to pick up the problem of teen pregnancy, address it and look for solutions.
In only a short period of time, I have found this large community to be one that can overcome just about anything that is thrown at it or accomplish anything it sets its collective mind to solve.
Take into account the rebuilding of businesses and homes after last year’s tragic tornado. We have together celebrated each opening and each completed project as yet another reminder that any wound can heal if given the proper attention.
Teen pregnancy is a problem, but it is not our problem alone. Other communities face such issues, and they too are looking for ways to cut down on “babies having babies.”
Over the coming days, our reporters and editors will be focusing on the issue of teen pregnancy in Suffolk and the groups and organizations working to cut down on the problem.
It is our hope that the story we told of the teenage sisters giving birth just hours apart will be a story that sparks serious change in Suffolk and, furthermore, is one that we will not have to tell again.
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Comments
Posted by mcdb (anonymous) on August 29, 2009 at 9:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
TO QUOTE: "In reading the story, in no way did we offer any opinion – pro or otherwise – on the choices made and the results of those choices. The story stated the facts, offered accurate quotes and told of an event that doesn’t happen every day."
PATHETIC!!!! Mr.Reeves- stop while you're ahead! A picture of smiling CHILDREN holding their BABIES is enough evidence of SUPPORT for their STUPID actions! Who gives a hoot if the babies were born 3 hours apart by girls who clearly had NO idea what their cycles were. As a mother, I know that a doctor would NOT let a grown woman (much less the immature body of a teenager) to go 45 to 46 weeks gestation! Just stop. You were wrong. Deal with it.
Posted by KNRMCO (anonymous) on August 30, 2009 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
regrardless of what SNH's intent was, it didn't come across that way in the article & story. A more fitting story would have been a follow up about 3 months after giving birth & discussing the challanges of tring to be a mother, student & teen at the same time. Teenage pregnancy is a problem, your original story did not address that.
Posted by OD (anonymous) on August 30, 2009 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Remember that our leader sated he didnt want his daughters "punished" by having a baby. Great morals once again come out of the WH.. I guess its a culture thing.Abortion's will be included in the health CONTROL program.
Posted by catlady (anonymous) on August 31, 2009 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Both of the new moms and baby boys are living with Jenkins, and they credit their mom with giving them guidance throughout their pregnancies and for being a caretaker for their babies as they get ready to go back to school.
'My mom is going to take care of my baby,' Destiny said. 'So, it won’t be as hard for me as it would be for other young parents because we have her.' ”
Your paper may not have offered an "opinion" about the situation, but simply printing the above statements was enough. It implies that these girls knew what they were getting into and were prepared. That is bunch of hooey!! It's too bad they didn't receive enough guidance from mom BEFORE they ended up in that situation! I agree with another opinion writer that you should follow up on these girls at some point in the future to see:
1) if they graduated from high school.
2) if they graduated on time.
3) if they are able to support themselves and their children WITHOUT government assistance.
4) if they would recommend this route to other young girls.
Whether you believe so or not, your paper insinuated that this was a joyous event that should be celebrated!
Posted by mcdb (anonymous) on August 31, 2009 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ANNNNND if grandma is staying home to watch the new babies...where is she getting her money? She's not being paid by her daughters for her babysitting services. That will answer question #3, Catlady.
Question #2- One is already 18 (so the story says, though some in the community are now saying one is really 14 and one is 16!!)...she's most likely already off track.
And I'd like to know where the fathers of the babies are, and their ages. You ran a story about the 27 yr old woman and 17 year old 'boy'...I'd be interested in seeing what the age range is for these two.
Posted by destinyismyne (anonymous) on September 1, 2009 at 1:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This story should have never been published. I cannot blame Lauren Wicks. She is a young reporter. She brought the story to you, Andy for a decision. So, you decided it was interesting and newsworthy because these two children, both single, had given birth within 3 hours. Considering the circumstancies, your reasons would be my reasons for considering this a sad and unnewsworthy event. I foresee a potential tough time ahead for 10 persons. Namely, the babies, the mothers, the grandmothers, the grandfathers, the daddies and maybe more. I have seen so many good children dreams derailed and lost in Suffolk due to teenage pregnancy. Though, the babies turned out okay, there were generally tears and sadness in the household and often the community because a good youth ( girl or boy) had been derailed. I just hope that article does not serve as an inspiration to other youths to do the same to get their pictures on the front page of the SNH. Why, there are youths all over this city doing interesting and newsworthy things that are worthy of publishing. Conclusion, overall, your liberal, moderate and conservative readers agree that the story should not have been published at all or as it was written. G . a d. Eure B.y..t
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