Reply #15: 14 makes a lot of sense. 18 is questionable. 35+ is starting to make sense again.

[HopeHoops]

It really depends on the reason. If it's just birth control (as many wingnuts claim), that's not a good justification. I really don't think there are that many women who use it that way. I've got three daughters, 16, 18, and 20, so trust me when I say I've given this issue a lot of consideration. But I also don't have a say in what the older two chose to do and frankly the youngest would be able to get one with or without my consent (in some states).

The main issue with young (under 18) girls is the responsibility and impact on their education and loss of "kid years". Our school district does an excellent job of handling that, but it is still a major burden. "Just say no" isn't the way to deal with it - "put a rubber on it" is far more realistic. With older women, it really comes down to a health issue - both for the mother and the child. It isn't an easy subject no matter how you feel about it.