The luncheon affair touted a rather provocative title: “Beyond Knocked Up.” And it was every bit as interesting as promised, thanks to almost 200 guests and sponsors who gathered last week at Renaissance on 9th in Bradenton.
They were there to support Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, and to enjoy the inspiration of author Carol Cassell. “Beyond Knocked Up” is the title of Cassell’s work in progress.
Cassell, a senior health scientist at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, already has several books published — including her most recent, “Put Passion First,” with autographed copies available at the luncheon.
“Hey, we’re all human,” Cassell told the crowd, smiling as she explained the book’s genesis. “ ‘Put Passion First’ wouldn’t have sold if I’d called it ‘How to Avoid an Unwanted Pregnancy’!”
Cassell urged everyone — parents, educators, civic leaders — to recognize that the “abstinence argument is a silly waste of time.”
“While adults are arguing abstinence vs. contraception, teens are getting pregnant,” she said. “Ninety percent of us have sex before marriage. So let’s educate about that feeling.”
The U.S. statistics bear her out, particularly the high pregnancy rate among teens in Manatee County, which ranks 17th in Florida’s 67 counties, noted Sue Revell, chair of the event and Planned Parenthood board member.
“It’s great to be here with so many like-minded guests and sponsors,” Revell said. “We are making a huge difference … but there is still a very long way to go.”
Barbara Zdravecky, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, was welcomed with a lengthy ovation. This was even before she outlined impressive recent achievements for Planned Parenthood: a health center opening in Oneco, new headquarters in Sarasota, a call center that takes 3,000 calls every week from people needing help and information.
In urging the group to start new conversations with their children, Cassell closed the luncheon with an apt signoff:
“Thank you — and be careful out there!”
Joan Krauter, the Herald’s executive editor, can be reached at 748-0411, ext. 2000.
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