Gloucester to allow distribution of contraceptives

October 9, 11:55 AMBoston Young Democrats ExaminerDan McDowell

Previous Next

45 comments Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Boston Young Democrats Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Last night Gloucester's school board unanimously voted to distribute contraceptives to students. Distribution requires parental consent, but it is certainly a step in the right direction. Especially considering the controversy the school had on its hands after the spike in pregnancies Gloucester saw last year. Gloucester was thrust in the spot light after the principal of the high school alleged there was a "pregnancy pact" of sorts. Now, it seems, they've taken steps to counteract last year's spike that garnered such media attention.

The availability of contraception, in conjunction with an health education program will do wonders for the town. I will go on the record as saying however, that once students hit the legal age of consent (age 16) contraception should be available without parental consent. That does not mean, however, the student shouldn't be required to continue to follow up with the school health center. The health of the student is important, but so is his or her right to privacy. Education should continue, and once they legally can consent to sex, they have the option of taking on the responsibility if that is what they desire.

Contact Info: