Costs of unplanned pregnancies high

In response to John Conner, I would like to submit that an unplanned pregnancy entails far more than pre- and postnatal care.

It takes more than $160,000 to rear a child to adulthood and many times, fathers cannot or will not accept responsibility. There also has been an increase in grandparents meeting the parenting needs of grandchildren. There are many children living in deplorable conditions.

The monetary expense in Aurora could have been put to better use helping the prevailing ills than attempting to prevent abortions.

Educated, empowered women are the best assurance for healthy and happy children. The helping organizations mentioned by Mr. Conner are good assisting entities that should be very much welcomed by those experiencing unwanted pregnancies.

Anne Ahrens

Schaumburg