A Local Fight For Contraceptives in Schools

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by Joe Veix, RH Reality Check

September 18, 2009 - 1:44pm (Print)

The Daily Item has an article about a high school in Revere that's offering contraceptives in its nurse's office. The school has allowed the handing out of contraceptives - including condoms and Plan B - since last winter.

Over the summer, parents opposed to the program gathered almost 2,000 signatures calling for the suspension of the policy. The recommendation states:

"Should the School Committee temporarily suspend distribution of contraception and 'Plan B,' known as the morning after-pill, at Revere High School and form an advisory council of parents and others to evaluate health risks and benefits of both contraception and abstinence recommendations submitted to the School Committee for consideration prior to the School Committee deciding whether to lift the suspension."

If the recommendation is passed by the school board, it will be placed on the November 3 ballot.

What's especially frustrating about the opposition is that the policy is already fairly restrictive. It permits contraception only after parents enroll their teenager in the health center, and then only allows the distribution of contraception to them after parents check a box on the enrollment form. It would seem that any parents protesting the measure have very little reason to do so; if they don't want their teenagers participating, they don't have to allow them. It's just another case of people forcing their strict, backwards morals on others.

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New Pornography Regulations In LA: Are They Addressing the Right Problem?

by Marianne Møllmann
Feb 7, 12:19pm
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On January 25, the mayor of Los Angeles signed regulation that requires the use of condoms by all performers in adult movies filmed within the city’s borders. Public health advocates have unsurprisingly celebrated the regulation, but there are some reasons why the ordinance may not be as effective as one might hope.

Looking Forward, Looking Back: Two Perspectives on Leadership, Culture, and the Sexual Health Movement

by Debra Hauser & James Wagoner
Jan 30, 8:43am
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In the years ahead, Advocates will continue to be a dynamic leader in promoting the rights of youth to information, education, and services. I am deeply committed to our current, innovative work expanding adolescent access to contraception domestically and internationally; fighting homophobia in schools and communities across the United States; and using our policy work on the Hill and with the administration to advance the goals of our state and local partners.

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crowepps Who signed? September 18, 2009 - 1:27pm

Over the summer, parents opposed to the program gathered almost 2,000 signatures calling for the suspension of the policy.

I would sure like to see the language on the petition signed by half of one percent of the population. Did it make it clear that the parents had to give preapproval before "distribution"? I would also be interested in seeing who signed - were these other parents of children at the schools? Or was it 'concerned citizens' who think it's outrageous that parents have the right to allow their own children to visit the school health clinic for reproductive care? Personally, I think they need to respect the parents' right to make decisions for their teens.