Right choice on teen site, with caveats

With some qualifications, we believe the Batavia Public Library Board made the correct decision last week in voting to keep a Planned Parenthood sponsored Web site link on the library's Web site.

But it was only the correct decision because the board also decided to move the link titled Teenwire out of the young adult health section and onto a general Web reference category more commonly used by adults. Mostly, Batavia parents were correct in questioning this site link in a public manner, showing that residents are keeping an eye on what its library offers and bringing to light the side issue that is critically important - that parents and teens communicate on the topic of sex.

Because removing the link would mean the library caved in to censorship, we support the board's decision to keep the link. But we also know that anyone can find Teenwire through a regular search-engine, though the easy link on the library site welcomed those who might be too young for the graphic information and what we would agree is an unusual use of animated characters to deliver messages about how a female gets pregnant.

Though we're not certain it was the key point on the minds of detractors amongst the more than 100 residents at the public meeting, we do have some reservations about the Planned Parenthood site. It would provide a more balanced view of teen pregnancy if it provided a direct link to information on abstinence, highlighting its importance. We understand that the abstinence message in and of itself won't work to end teen pregnancy. But it remains an option that we support without hesitation. From that standpoint, we are pleased that the young adult links under the health category includes familydoctor.org , which explains the sex questions clearly and fully, and includes abstinence and how two teens should support each other if they have chosen this wise option. With that, we can see that the library Web site is providing balanced information and choices - the major role a library plays in a community.

Even though some were protesting Planned Parenthood in general, we were impressed that most residents understood the library was not condoning specific causes or organizations. Despite quick access to information with the Internet, the public library remains a community's key source of information. It provides this information in a way that allows residents in a free society to absorb it and interpret it as they see fit.

Of course, the primary learning experience when it comes to sex education will always be what is discussed between parents and their children. But the library can be helpful in this regard. If visiting the Planned Parenthood site and comparing it to familydoctor.org and other similar sites to get the most complete information to keep our kids informed and safe leads to more honest and open discussions between teens and parents about sex, then the questions about Teenwire served their purpose.

And Batavians can say they were not afraid to debate it in public.