I MUST reply to Clare Kennedy's article on teenage pregnancies (Daily Echo, April 21).

Without wishing to state the obvious, the now out-of-date policy of telling under-age girls not to have sex must be regarded as a waste of time and strict laws should be introduced.

These unlawful acts today shout of disregard for human life.

Those responsible should be made to pay the confinement costs and for the upbringing of all these unfortunate children, as the state cannot afford this.

Will it ever dawn on these people that bringing these innocents into a troubled world would commit themselves (should the law be tightened), to at least 15 years of debt when hauled before the courts, if a termination is not conducted.

The only exception should be the victims of rape who will have their abortion paid for by the state, with the perpetrators receiving a long term in borstal (when they are built) or a longer jail term if over 18, followed by three years' National Service.

For any girl whose religion would not permit an abortion, then that specific religious group will finance all costs to the age of 15 years.

HUGH CLEVERLY, Fair Oak.