Ralph deToledano

Statutory rape laws prohibit adults from engaging in sex with minors and, in some cases, forbid teenagers from having sex with each other. In the following viewpoint, Ralph deToledano promotes the vigorous enforcement of these laws as an effective way to reduce the incidence of teenage pregnancy. If males knew they faced fines or imprisonment for having sex with teenage girls, he contends, a significant number of teenage pregnancies would be averted. DeToledano is a syndicated columnist.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In the author’s opinion, if a teenage girl becomes pregnant, what should she be required to do"

2. According to deToledano, what should the government require of males who father illegitimate children"

3. How does deToledano characterize the “New Morality”"

Teen-age pregnancies, as well as those...