Black Friday in a New Light

As you all probably know, this past Friday was Black Friday. You know, the day after Thanksgiving where all the retail stores have crazy door-buster deals and people stand outside at midnight waiting to get them. It always amazes me how much people prepare and plan for this one special day.  Men and women across the country research the best deals and create a game plan, so that on Black Friday they can execute it and walk away with the best deals. As I think about the tradition of Black Friday and how families prepare for this one day of savings, it made me reflect on why people, including our young people today, do not think about family planning in the same light as they do Black Friday.

Just like Black Friday deals, our young people need to think about the best plan for their lives and decide when is the best time to begin a family.  According to the World Health Organization, family planning allows individuals to attain their desired number of children by selecting the timing and spacing of birth.  This is achieved through the use of contraceptive methods, and research shows that family planning significantly impacts the overall health and well-being of women.  With this in mind, I believe individuals should devote as much energy and effort into family planning as they do into finding the best deals for Black Friday.  While it is true that you may save a boat-load of money on Black Friday, family planning can save you even more money over your lifetime.  In South Carolina alone, teen pregnancy costs taxpayers about $200 million annually.  Imagine how much taxpayers can save if individuals think about family planning as much as they think about Black Friday deals. After all, are you really going to want that argyle sweater next year?  

By India Rose, Post Doctoral Fellow, SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy