As part of a recently revealed government plan to cut the crime rate, Minister of Corrections, Matt Robson said; "If a woman was young, from a disadvantaged family, had little education, was substance dependent, socially isolated and had a number of partners, the risk of raising anti- social children increased many hundred's of times. By identifying these women and providing sexual health services and education in the benefit of delaying child-bearing until a more suitable time the Government could make serious inroads into future offending."

Are you serious Mr Robson? How are you going to convince them of the unknowable benefits of delayed child-bearing up against the very tangible benefits paid FOR child-bearing?

At least Mr Robson has the courage to state the problem. Unfortunately, government policy already educates young women that society condones and supports early, sole, child-bearing by paying them weekly cash benefits. Nothing will change as long as this remains the case.

Lindsay Mitchell - Campaigners for the Abolition of the DPB

E-mail dandl.mitchell@clear.net.nz

Ph/Fx 04 562-7944

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