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Should high schools be handing out birth control? I keep thinking about my kids being in high school. Would that prevent them from getting an STD or getting a girl pregnant or would it encourage them to have sex earlier and more often? I wish I knew.
From ABC: City officials in Gloucester, Mass. have made a controversial decision in the wake of a pregnancy boom at Gloucester High School. The school committee voted to allow the distribution of birth control to students.
"Well, I don't think it was a good idea, but things happen," student Siennica Service said. She and many other students don't like the fact that contraceptives will now be distributed at Gloucester High School. "I really don't think it's needed. If they make a bad decision, that's their problem," Service said.
Other students disagree. "At least they're giving out condoms to everyone -- better than getting pregnant," freshman Corey Beal said. Seven school committee members voted unanimously Wednesday night to change the school's policy of not distributing contraceptives in the school's health clinic. "This is not going to be popular," School Committee member Gary Verga said.
School and city officials came under fire last year after 17 Gloucester students got pregnant. Principal Joseph Sullivan has since quit his job. The new principal spared few words. "We'll do what they tell us to do," Dr. Bill Goodwin said. "We'll carry out the wishes of the school committee." Now with parents' consent, students will be allowed access to a range of reproductive health services, including prescription contraceptives. Parents may opt out.
Imagine your kids going to this high school. Would you want birth control handed out in the health clinic?
-NewsAnchorMom Jen
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5 comments:
By high school kids know about sex, so, that shouldn't be an issue. Does it promote them having sex?? I don't think so. It's not like they're throwing them out at a parade. The kids have to seek them out. and I don't think the lack of contraception is going to stop a teenager from having sex. At least not for long...they'll just learn to be prepared next time, or just skip it completely.
So, if we admit that teenagers are having sex anyway, why not promote safe sex?
I think you may misunderstand slightly or maybe I am it is 6am after all but didn't it say they will have prescription contraceptives available upon parental consent? These days teens are having sex and experimenting more than most parents think. We're just as smart but accidents do happen and it's better to give them access at least to condoms so instead of learning the hard way. They learn the right way to play it safe and be protected. Birth control doesn't prevent STD's but at least if teens can get condoms we won't have cases of HPV, Herpes, and other STD's floating around our area's schools. Ask high school teens about different high school's reps, you'd be surprised.
I THINK IT IS THE RESPONSIBLE THING TO DO.
KIDS ARE SMARTER THAN YOU THINK AND IF THEY ARE GIVEN THE INFORMATION ABOUT AND CHOICE TO GET BIRHT CONTROL IF NEEDED, THEY WILL MAKE MORE RESPONSIBLE DECISIONS. THE IDEA IS TO GET KIDS FROM NOT HAVING KIDS AND PREVENT THEM FROM GETTING HIV,HPV AND OTHER STD'S
I want comprehensive sex education - either through the schools or at the schools by health department professionals.
Kids need correct and complete information in order to have half a chance at making an informed choice.
Crayz, you are correct about the story. I was asking a broader question at the beginning than at the end.
I asked two dads last night what they think about this idea and they both were adament that handing out condoms and birth control would promote sexual behavior. They weren't against teaching the facts, but one said, no handing out of sex toys at high school. They also said if there was a big herroine problem at a high school, would the school start handing out clean needles? Maybe!
So I am surprised by how strong people feel on both sides of this issue. It's very interesting. I haven't made a decision yet. My kids are so young, who knows what will be happening when they're in high school. That's a scary thought!
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