Richard John Neuhaus

In the following viewpoint, Richard John Neuhaus responds to a proposal by Douglas J. Besharov to grant teenagers easy access to the contraceptive Norplant, a long-term contraceptive device that is surgically implanted in the arm and retains its effectiveness for up to five years. Neuhaus maintains that granting access to Norplant would send a message to teenagers that sex is expected of them, thereby vastly increasing teen promiscuity. Neuhaus is the religion editor for National Review, a conservative monthly magazine.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. How does Norplant reduce teenagers’ incentives to remain virgins, according to Neuhaus"

2. In Neuhaus’s words, what message does the use of Norplant send to teenagers in the inner cities"

3. According to the author, what are the dangerous effects of teenage promiscuity"

Mr. Douglas J...