I would like to see a different approach in cases where a young girl becomes pregnant and, for one reason or another, does not have the support of family.
(a) Give the girl security and support during pregnancy;
(b) Avoid the problems for mother and child consequent on parting them, or of being a one-parent family; and
(c) Enable the girl to continue schooling or training where appropriate, or to start a career.
There must surely be some couples around who have missed out on parenthood and would be mature enough to take the two to their hearts. If the relationship did not work out in the long run, the mother would be free, at the age of 18, to leave, but it would still have been a worthwhile experience for the couple, even with the danger of being hurt. The rewards of success would be great.
Vivienne Marks, Little Grove Cottage, Waldron, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 ORB (tel 043 53 2840).