The startling story from Gloucester, Mass., last week spoke volumes about the state of teenage psyches in America.According to Joseph Sullivan, principal at Gloucester High School, 17 sophomore girls entered a pact to become pregnant. Since he made the statement, he and others have been backing away from the term “pact.” The girls themselves have denied a pact, but some said they wanted a baby to give them unconditional love. Another girl said she was just unlucky.

Predictably, both sides of the political fence weighed in. Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council blamed Massachusetts for turning down federal funds for abstinence education. Cecile Richards of Planned Parenthood Federation of America put the blame on abstinence-only education which precludes comprehensive sex education. In fact, reported the Chicago Tribune, a nine-year study by Mathematica Policy Research concluded that abstinence-only students were no more or less likely to delay sexual activity than those in comprehensive programs.

Conservatives have also been heaping scorn on Hollywood with movies like “Juno” and “Knocked Up,” that show women out of wedlock getting pregnant. Liberals also take a swipe at these movies for removing abortion from the equation.

Regardless of what may ultimately be the reason, there are 17 teen girls carrying babies who don’t have a clue about the financial and emotional burdens that are about to be unleashed.

Gloucester is a fishing town made famous in the movie “The Perfect Storm.” Except fishing is drying up, boats are not running and income is going down. The strain on Gloucester families that have pregnant teens will have severe consequences. These babies and their mothers are looking at lives of diminished returns, bleak futures indeed.

It’s hard to imagine that becoming pregnant at such a young age is desired by these teens. And what about the boys? They, or their families, will also be stuck financially for many years.

If the girl means it, about having a baby for unconditional love, then as a society we have failed these children. We have not given them the nurturing and loving upbringing they need to be responsible citizens. Did we abandon them on purpose? Did we abandon them because we were too busy? Did we have children when we lacked the finances and emotional disposition that they demand?

We have to ask ourselves these questions. Somehow or other, we have to show children that having a baby is not just stylish or a feel-good game. Kids are not circumspect when it comes to the future. But having a child is all about planning a future. Adults have to be there to help.

In the end, people can debate the term “pact” and point fingers, but there are still 17 babies incubating in teenage wombs. Are these babies going to get a better upbringing than their mothers and fathers (though most will likely know their fathers only peripherally) or fall into the same trap years from now?

Adults need to take an active interest in what happens to these and all other children. If adults don’t, look what can happen.