Babies need to bond with their parents, and families and policy makers should incorporate that need in their planning. Healthy children need consistent care, nurturance, and guidance which is best provided through the involvement of two mature adult parents. It is difficult, if not impossible, for unmarried and unprepared teens to provide children this level of care. While we need to recognize and deal with the many reasons for the increase in unmarried mothers and fathers, it is time to state that having a baby under such circumstances is a bad decision and a wrong one. This is the challenge that must be seriously confronted.
Families are stronger when fathers are actively and consistently in their children's lives.
We support the fact that children are better off when their fathers as well as mothers provide both financial support and emotional nurturance, and who serve as positive role models in every aspect of life. The safety of families in their homes, schools, neighborhoods, and communities should be assured. Children and families deserve to be protected from violence and abuse of all kinds. Young children and teenagers deserve protection from sexual exploitation. Children need to complete their education.