Shelea Mayo, 16, was embarrassed when her mother sat Shelea and her then boyfriend down one afternoon and gave them “the talk” about relationships and responsibility.
Beverly Mayo admits her children sometimes try to cut her off, interjecting with “TMI,” for too much information, when the conversation is getting too personal for them.
Mayo was looking out for her daughter in that same way a few weeks ago when she tried to get Shelea an appointment with a gynecologist.
Mayo said she was surprised when obstetrics-gynecology offices she called would take Shelea as a new patient if she were pregnant but would not accept her just for basic gynecological care.
It’s disturbing that low-income women lack access to basic healthcare, and when they are trying to avoid pregnancy are told, come back when you’re pregnant and we’ll take care of you. Reading this reminded me of this post by Amp, about how pregnant low-income teens may be rational actors.
Um, that’s scary. Let’s not prevent teen pregnancy, but instead tell girls they can’t get basic gyn care unless they’re pregnant? Intelligent.