Pro-Life seminar deals with teen sexuality

QUEZON CITY, Jan. 23, 2010—MORE than a hundred participants attended Pro-Life Philippines Foundation’s Pro-Life Seminar titled “Understanding Sexually Active Teenagers” last Saturday at the Bahay-Ugnayan Conference Hall inside the Good Shepherd Convent in Quezon City.

Facilitated by the Foundation’s Vice-President and seasoned resource speaker Mr. Edgardo Sorreta, the seminar catered to a cluster of teachers, counselors, school personnel, parents, even students who were all eager to learn about the apparent attitudes and behaviors of teenagers towards sex and their own sexuality.

“Educating teens on sex and sexuality should be highly prioritized. This is one of the key factors in guiding them towards upright sexual maturity,” Sorreta said.

Sorreta, a local coordinator of Family and Life and a member of Couples for Christ, mentioned of how the values of the younger generation have been compromised due to the proliferation of misguided materials about sex in print, broadcast, and the Internet.

“The youth and their families as well are very much exposed to the harmful contents of what the media has been promoting especially on the topic of sex. No wonder there are people who resort to abortion and other perverted practices contrary to the teachings of the Church” Sorreta said.

Moreover during his talk, Sorreta also noted of the need to guide both teenagers and their parents when it comes to talking about sex.

“Values are not taught. They are caught. That is why it’s equally important for parents to become good role models to their children especially when it comes to handling sensitive issues such as sex,” Sorreta told the audience.

To be more credible, Sorreta also shared some personal anecdotes telling some of his experiences raising his own daughter. Further, Sorreta provided more information on ways on how to cope with puberty.

“Before you decide to do something sexual, think about it a hundred times over and then weigh the consequences. You’ll realize these (pre-marital sex, etc.) are things you could do without while you grow up.,” said Sorreta. “Remember, passion is not affection. There are a hundred ways of showing your love to a significant other better than sex outside of marriage.”

An open forum came after the talk where the audience actively participated in sharing to others their personal experiences in growing up as a teen and raising a teenager.

This is the first of the series of Pro-Life Seminars the Foundation will be conducting this year. Following this talk will be a seminar on pornography, which will be held by March. Each seminar is aimed at educating the general public on the various aspects and issues that the pro-life advocacy encompasses. (Andrew Isiah P. Bonifacio)