新西兰英语 612 Contraception for single mothers

 　　Single mothers can receive free contraception if they want it. The new policy is that a single mother on a benefit has to look for part-time work when the child is five. However, if she has another child while she is on a benefit, she has to look for work when that child is one year old. Paula Bennett, the Social Development Minister, says that the government will pay the cost of long-term contraception. However, women will have a choice about using contraception.

　　The government will also offer contraception to the teenage daughters of women on a benefit, if they are between the ages of 16 and 19.

　　The new policy is to try to stop women from becoming dependent¹ on a benefit and to help them get jobs. There will be more money to help pay for childcare.

　　Listen to November 1st 2011 to hear more about single mothers on a benefit.

　　Vocabulary

　　?contraception – stops a woman getting pregnant²

　　?benefit – money from the government to support the woman and her children

　　?dependent on – need

　　Questions

　　?Do you think a mother of a one-year old child should look for part-time work?

　　?Why is it sometimes difficult for single mothers to work outside the home?

　　?What is the difference between short-term³ and long-term contraception?

　　?What are your views about contraception for 16 to 19 year olds?

1 dependent   

adj.依靠的，依赖的，依赖他人生活者

参考例句：

• He has a mother completely dependent on him.他有一个完全靠他赡养的母亲。
• The country is dependent on foreign aid.这个国家靠外援生存。

2 pregnant   

adj.怀孕的，怀胎的

参考例句：

• She is a pregnant woman.她是一名孕妇。
• She is pregnant with her first child.她怀了第一胎。

3 short-term   

adj.短期的

参考例句：

• The short-term training class has been run three times.短训班办了三期。
• For this they are running short-term courses and evening classes.为此，他们办了短训班和夜校。