A lot of us remember the talk they received about the “birds and the bees” from their parents. But not everyone is lucky enough to have someone explain to them about sex.

And not all teens feel comfortable about going to their parents to talk to them about sexual pressures, birth control, pregnancy, sexual transmitted diseases or sexuality. That’s why there are places such as Planned Parenthood.

In our society where sex is illustrated on billboards, television, radio and school, there needs to be a place where teens can go for guidance.

If the amendment, proposed by Representatives Istook and Manzullo is passed, parental consent would be required for teens wanting birth control from Title X family planning services in Iowa.

Although abstinence is profusely repeated to teens, the reality is teens are having sex at a younger age than they were 30 years ago.

Advice and free contraceptives for teens is crucial. Not all teens have parents to confide in, and if this amendment is passed it may give them one less person to turn to.

If the amendment is passed it could quite possibly increase the number of teen pregnancies and STDs because teens will be too scared to go for information and birth control at their local family planning services.

The amendment may also confuse teens; it may discourage many young people from obtaining those necessary services the centers provide to them.

This is no longer the 1950s in which sitcom married couples sleep in individual twin beds.

Talking about sex should no longer be a social taboo.

Teens will continue to have sex, and passing this amendment will not increase the number of people who practice abstinence — it will only increase the number of babies having babies.