We enjoyed Mexico's hospitality, and now we're back in the states spreading the joy of living south of the border!

Friday, March 6, 2009

Kids having Kids

Teenage pregnancy is decreasing in the US, but it's still a major problem here in Mexico. In fact, the avg. age of first marriage in Mexico's rural population is 20 (meaning that half are teenagers!)
The government in Zacatecas state, inspired by a female governor, just passed new legislation to help them:
single and teenaged mothers will receive 650 pesos per month for 10 months, along with diapers and formula. This is about $50. That's right - $50 per month. I'm not exactly sure what this is supposed to cover, but it's not much. Even Mexicans can't eat healthy food for that little money.
What the government is NOT doing is anything to prevent teenaged pregnancy - birth control is practically illegal throughout the country and sex ed in schools is very rare. The catholic church believes that every life is precious, which is fabulous, but that same church is not helping to raise the millions of unwanted children born every year in Mexico.

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