Abortions: 'Only good sex education can help teenagers'

The headline figure, that the number of procedures fell in 2009, is to be welcomed. There were 200 fewer abortions than when an unwelcome record high was set in 2008.

However, there are still many worrying aspects, especially the fact that 55 local girls aged under 16 had a termination last year.

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In line with most Scots, the News believes in the right of women to make their own choices when it comes to their fertility. And that includes the right to make some tough decisions if there are compelling reasons to terminate a pregnancy.

But most girls of 15 or younger are simply not mature enough to make that decision. That puts us in an uncomfortable position of agreeing with the Catholic Church on this issue – up to a point.

The church is right that more needs to be done in schools to address the issue. But it would be foolish to think that a faith-led "just say no" approach would stop young people experimenting with sex. Only good sex education, including the how and wherefores of contraception, can help teenagers make informed decisions.

With moral support – especially from parents – many will decide to put off having sex until the time is right for them. And those who won't wait will have less chance of having to live with the consequences – by having a child too young or adding to grim abortion statistics.

Final chapter?

MANY people will be surprised to learn that the Church of Scotland owns the Scottish Storytelling Centre – even those who use it with their children.

But, while funding also comes from the Scottish Arts Council, the lottery and others, the Kirk owns the building and subsidises the centre.

And that's bad news at a time when the Church of Scotland is desperately looking for savings.

The centre has been well used since it opened in 2006, bringing a bit of literary magic into young lives. It would be tragic if it closed, as recommended in a report by consultants.

The Kirk looks likely to reject this proposal, but in times as tough as these the answer may be for the centre to be taken into public ownership – or for a rich benefactor to step forward. Does anyone know any wealthy Edinburgh residents with an interest in kids enjoying some wizard tales?