Hi Sarah,
Wow. This must be a really tough afternoon, having to give interviews about your pregnant 17-year old daughter.
As one 44-year old mom (my daughter is 16, my son is 19) to another - let me tell you this: parenthood is, at times, a real challenge. It can be harder than anything you've ever done - running marathons, running political campaigns, holding public office.
Looks like you're going to be a granny this year, Sarah. Since your second daughter Willow is 13 years old, can I give you a bit of friendly advice?
Abstinence education doesn't work, Sarah.
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Sarah, there really isn't anything to be ashamed of regarding Bristol's pregnancy. I don't see why you and your family had to concoct that "mononucleosis" story, pull her out of school away from her classes and her peers, and drape her in a loose black dress for your introduction in Ohio last week.
Teenage pregnancy happens, Sarah - it's a fact of life.
But here's the problem; abstinence education (like your "Feminists for Life" group endorses) doesn't work.
Telling your children that condoms don't work condoms don't work or that the Pill causes abortions is lying, Sarah. Sending them to purity balls with their dads or uncles and stressing that they pledge their virginity until marriage is entirely ineffective.
Open, honest communication between you and your daughter is the best thing you can have. Talking to your daughters (and sons, too!) about the importance of birth control and STD prevention is one of the duties of parenthood.
I've been talking to my kids about birth control, STDs - AND abstinence, too - since they were pre-teens.
My kids roll their eyeball, sure, and it's not the most fun topic to bring up with a sarcastic, know-it-all teenager.
But - know what, Sarah? I'm not going to be a 44-year-old grandmother this year.
Best of luck.