Should students be able to obtain birth control (e.g. condoms)at the nurse's office in a [public] high school? Why or why not? Read the article at the site below to assist you in your post.
http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/tgr/03/5/gr030505.html
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43 comments:
Personally, I don't believe that nurses should offer any form of birth control at schools or school-based medical facilities. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to know the sexual activity of their children, and this information should only be kept between the child, the child's doctor, and the and child's parents. If students can get birth control (of any kind) at school, this information can easily be withheld from doctors and guardians alike. Having said this, if schools do offer reproductive health services like the article suggests, I don't see a problem with providing birth control services. According to the article, "Almost nine in 10 of these school-based health centers provide pregnancy testing; seven in 10 offer testing and treatment for STDs, gynecologic exams and Pap smears; almost six in 10 provide HIV testing; and two in 10 offer prenatal care." If these services really are offered at schools or school-based health facilities, I don't see a problem with offering birth control. Personally and morally, however, I don't think it's a good idea.
yes i think you should be able to obtain condoms and things like that because teens are not going to stop having sex, its just natural. When the teen is ready to have sex, maybe they are too embarressed to get condoms or something or dont have the money. Why not make it available at a school. Since teens are going to have sex anyway, why not keep the condoms in the nurses office. Like a cough drop, if you need it then go get it. Nobody has to keep track of it. I think this will make teens make the right choice to have safe sex.
ricky grasso
p7
Students should absolutely be allowed to receive contraceptives and birth control at the nurse's office in any high school. The higher availability of the contraceptives would significantly decrease the chance of teenage pregnancies and make many sexual experiences easier and safer. While some argue that the administration of these contraceptives encourages teens to have sexual intercourse at too young an age and to be careless, I find that the encouragement is already in our lives in other forms. Sex is present on TV, in the news, with our friends, and is no longer a sacred activity to do after marriage. If teenagers don't have easy access to contraceptives, chances are that they will have sex anyway, just in an unsafe way. However, before students are given the contraceptives, the nurses should explain how they work, the risks (STDs) involved, and more about what the students are getting themselves involved in. After proper education however, students should be able to act as individuals and make their own personal choices. While the article raises issues about the funding of these services, I feel that preventing teen pregnancy and raising awareness of these essential sexual issues is a MUST. If high schools mission statements claim to prepare students for their future, providing birth control at the nurse's office in a public high school does just that.
Anne M.
Class 3
This is undoubtedly a controversial issue. On one hand many health classes try to preach abstinence rather than sex-education as a way to prevent sexually related mishaps. However, today's youth are constantly exposed to sexual pressures and high school students have an abundance of hormones and curiosity. Not to mention, sexual practices are so heavily advertised in pop culture. Therefore, trying to preach abstinence essentially falls on deaf ears. This is why condoms or contraceptives should be available in the nurses offices with no questions asked. After all, it is nearly impossible to prevent today's youth from engaging in sexual behaviors, so we should do as much as we can to protect them from engaging in risky behaviors.
I believe students should be able to receive birth control from a school nurse or something of this nature due to the fact that so many young girls are scared to go to their parents for birth control and end up making the wrong decisions, ending up in a pre-marital child which may change their lives. By being given the option of getting a contraceptive from school, an easy and affordable way, there may be many less teen pregnancies.
Brian B
Class 7
I believe that it is a good idea to provide birth control in public high schools because statics show that about 50% of high school students are sexually active. However, the website also talks about sexual health centers in middle schools. This should not happen simply for the reason that sex is illegal, at least in Connecticut, until the age of 13. Even then, there are legal restrictions. Therefore, until you are in high school there is no reason to distribute condoms. If the are distributed then sexual activity is only being promoted. At least in high school the main prerogative is to keep those who are sexually active safe, not to put the idea of becoming sexually active into immature minds.
I think that by having condoms and other methods of birth control available in a nurse's office, you would almost be condoning sexual activity. This is not to say that you shouldn't be able to obtain them in a public place, but school just doesn't seem like the right place to do that. What would be your reaction to the question, "Teacher, can I go to the nurse? I need to pick up some condoms."
I think that it would be a bit awkward, and not something you would expect in school environment. So I bleieve birth control should be publicly available, but not in school.
At public high schools, nurses should be permitted to distribute contraceptives. The purpose of public schooling facilities is to provide an environment in which all its students can achieve an equal education and success. I believe this encompasses sexual education and the follow ups that arise after this is taught. Providing these contraceptives to students provides an environment in which students will not be as embarrassed to discuss these matters so they are provided with the correct answers and safer precautions are followed through. Without this environment, students may be embarrassed with their behavior and not ask questions or take appropriate measures. Overall, this allows students to feel more comfortable about themselves and allows for more questions to be answered to prevent situations students do not want to find themselves in. John Schlitt says that referrals are “inadequate” and that “students frequently do not follow through, because they either lack transportation, have concerns about confidentiality or simply may not regard doing so as an urgent priority” (Guttmacher Report). Students need this type of information and expert advice on campus. Without providing information, advice, and/ or contraceptives, the community is failing to provide their young adults appropriate care and direction.
Adam M.
Class 7
Condoms or contraceptives should be available in the nurses offices because inevitably the more available we make these things to teenagers, the more they will be used and this is critical to prevent teen pregnancy. As Ricky said, teens are going to have sex anyways, so why aren't we doing more to ensure that it is safe sex? We are taught through health programs at school that if you are sexually active, you should use protection, and I feel as if the school can take this a step further and offer condoms and contraceptives for students.
I agree with the many people here who believe that students should be able to obtain birth control at the nurse's office in a public high school. As the article stated there are, "high rates of sexual activity and unintended pregnancy among teenagers in this country." If this is indeed true then it does not make sense to not allow the distribution of condoms in school from the nurse's office. If teenagers are doing it anyway then it makes sense to try and bring down the high rates of teen pregnancy. Also, if we are being told in health class that we should use contraceptives then it would make sense for the school to provide them. I also believe that a student would be much more likely to use contraceptives if they were available in school. As Ricky said, a student might be embarrassed to ask their doctor or parent for contraceptives and they might feel more inclined to use them if they could just get them from the school nurse, free of embarrassment. So it makes more sense to allow contraceptives in order to help teens lead safe and healthy lives.
In my opinion, school health centers really should provide students with contraceptives. As long as schools continue to teach health courses where the students can be taught about STDs and STIs and all of the consequences that result from unprotected sex, it makes more sense to provide the students with the protection they are told they need. Although Dan makes a good point when he says that by providing the kids with condoms and birth control the school is almost condoning sexual activity in the students, it is impossible to believe that kids in high school aren't already having sex. Adam is right when he says that "without providing information, advice, and/ or contraceptives, the community is failing to provide their young adults appropriate care and direction." Schools are meant to protect and prepare their students, and providing birth control is part of that.
Kristin
Class 7
I feel by having contraceptives available in school this would significantly decrease the chance of teenage pregnancies and the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. A lot of people argue that the use of contraceptives encourage teens to have sexual intercourse and which can be seen as careless. I feel there is sexual influence already in our lives, just in other forms. Sex is present on TV, in the news, commercials, billboards, and with our friends. If teenagers do not have easy way to access contraceptives, most likely they are going to have unprotected sex anyway. I feel that with proper education and contraceptives available to people who cannot afford them, that is a better alternative than just letting teens have unprotected sex. A lot of teen’s lives could be saved by having contraception available, and allow the teens to mature and have a family of their own when they are the right age.
I do not believe that birth control, condoms, or any other sort of birth protections should be available in the nurses office. I do know that some schools in the area do offer this, but if you think about it, there are many things wrong with leaving birth controls available at school. First is the fact that now people can just go to the nurses office, get what they need and leave. It's too easy, plus with the fact this would raise the percent of students having sexual intercourse. Yes, it's a good idea knowing that the students will have safe sex, but there should be a limit as to who can get them.
Aaron N.
Class 7
Would allowing students to obtain birth control in school raise the number of students having sex?
I believe that high school nurses should be permitted to dispense contraceptives to students in order to create a safer and more understanding environment for sexually active teens. If condoms and other forms of birth control were handed out to students, the rate of safe sex would rise dramatically as there would be no reason not to use the contraceptives. In addition to birth control, having someone there to give advice and health service would increase the confidence and responsibility of the student. In other words, there will always be sexually active students thus it is a good idea to meet their needs and improve their reproductive health.
Either with birth control or without students are still going to be having sex, birth control or other contraceptives helps prevent dangerous side affects as an aftermath. This includes attemping to get an abortion from an unqualified doctor. Therfore for safety and morals its right to give contraceptives at school. I understand what Kevin says when he states its the responsibilty of the parent to deal with such circumstances but from a realistic point of view its very unlikly for a teenager to walk up to their parents saying they want to have sex and expecting there parents to give them premission as well as contraceptives. It doesn't work like that. Having contraceptives at the nurses ofice is an easy way out, which im not approving of but it merely subsides consequences of a risky student.
Audra
Class 7
I think that students should be able to obtain birth control or condoms at the nurse's office in school. I think that even though this would probably increase the number of students having sex, the availability of the contraceptives would decrease teenage pregnancies and STDs. I agree with Brian, that many teens are scared to go to their parents for birth control, and end up making the wrong decision and having unprotected sex.
Unlike what most of my classmates think, I feel that providing contraceptives to kids this easily will just make it easier for them to feel that its "no big deal". Providing these contraceptives, it takes the parents out of the situation and leaves parents out of control of what their children do. While I do agree that it will be good for preventing pregnancies and the transfer of STD's, I feel that this does not make up for the fact that teenagers will feel that there is no big deal in doing it and it takes away some control of parents in their childrens lives. According to a study, only 15% of High School students are sexually active and the rest are not. Thus I do not feel it is nesscary to provide them, if anything it will increase the number of kids who do it because they have an easier access to birth control. Besides doing this is not going to prevent pregnancies, if anything it will increase the number of kids sexually active and take their parents "out of the loop".
As I said before, I feel that giving contraceptives to anyone in high school would increase the rate of kids having sexual intercourse since they will feel that they have nothing to worry about since they have a supply of free birth control.
Brian M.
Class 7
In response to Mrs. Hurley's question, I do not think providing birth control for students would affect the number of students having sex. Clearly, those who are not having sex or even thinking about having sex would not take the birth control. Conversely, those who are already having sex would go out and buy condoms or birth control elsewhere, so providing such products at school would merely prove convenient and responsible for them.
I agree 100% with Ricky, that yes birth control and condoms should be available at the nurses office. Either way kids will still have sex and so isn't the best way to handle this situation by providing the tools for having safe sex and preventing pregnancies. And like Anne said some people may see this as the school supporting teens to have sex when teens have already been exposed to the subject of sex through TV, magazines, etc. And so it is best to supply students with these contraceptives to help prevent pregnancies since no matter what the same # of people will continue to have sex with or without contraceptives.
Ale F.
Period: 7
Actually, I think that allowing students to obtain birth control in school would raise the number of students having sex, however marginally. Then you have to decide which is better, three out of ten teens being sexually active and possibly not using protection, or four out of ten teens being sexually active, but able to get the things they need to be safe at the school health center?
After reading only a few comments on the blog and the article I honestly don't think it's a fair idea to not have it be a choice. I agree with Kevin R. when he says that we should but I don't think that a man can really perceive how much pregnancy and the choices effect a woman both emotionally and physically. A woman should always have options in today's society. I agree with Anne when she says that sex is everywhere. It is everywhere and its used to sell everything. If schools can't provide condoms and teens aren't willing to seek out protection from clinics then they aren't mature enough. So schools should have the option available to woman so that they can feel safe, just like they deserve. I think that sex has always occurred among teenagers its just become part of culture. if a teen is mature enough to seek out protection then it doesn't matter what percent of teens are having sex. I think sex is on the up rise and unfortunately it doesn't matter what is provided I think all we can control is the amount of unprotected sex and births to teen mothers. I want to ask, how many people are going through health right now like I am?
Paige
Class 7
As many students stated, while this is a very controversial issue, i believe schools shouldnt be able to give out birth control, but condoms,plan b, etc, should be able to be obtained at the schools. A condom is one thing, it is able to be thrown out, birth control on the other hand has many many medical sideeffects behind it. If a student was to get a problem from taking birth control at a school, the school could have a huge law suit on it. Condoms should deffinetly be handed out at the schools, there is nothing to hide about safe sex.
dugan
oeriod 3
This is definitely a controversial topic. I think that students should be able to get contraception in the nurse’s office if they wish to. If schools are teaching about STD’s in health class and what to do to prevent it then they should also provide contraception. Also, there are many responsible teens that want to use contraception but are too afraid to ask their parents or go buy them. Kristin makes a good point that, “it is impossible to believe that kids in high school aren't already having sex.” If the school believes that then they are letting the kids down that they should be helping. However, I also agree with Anne. People before getting the contraception should be told how to use them and all of the risks. This would make sure that kids completely understand what they are doing.
To respond to Mrs. Hurley’s question, I don’t think that by providing contraception it would cause more births. Students won’t just have sex because the school is providing condoms. In fact I think that it is making people more responsible because they are willing to go and get contraception before having sex instead of having unsafe sex.
Meghan L.
Period 3
Personally, I do believe that students should be able to obtain contraceptives in school. Though the public may not want to admit it, there are many teens out there who are sexually active. By providing contraceptives in the nurses office, I believe this would make those teens more aware and willing to have safe sex. Teen pregnancy is on the rise. I think that part of this reason is because some teens might be afraid or embarrassed to buy or talk to doctors about contraceptives. If they were provided in school then I don't think there would be nearly as many pregnancies. Providing birth control in school would just make teens more aware of their options, and there'd be no reason not to have safe sex.
And to respond to Mrs. Hurley, no, I don't think that schools providing contraceptives would rise the number of teens having sex. Pretty much by now, we all know what we believe in. And those who are having sex will just be more precautious. Teens are not all completely sex crazed so just by providing contraceptives will not make everyone start to go crazy for sex. Like I said, by now, most people are keen on what they believe in.
And I have a question about what Aaron said. He said that, "Yes, it's a good idea knowing that the students will have safe sex, but there should be a limit as to who can get them." Well how is this fair then? And how would this work? Would we have to like fill out forms on who's sexually active or not? hahaa I just don't see how a "limit to who can get them" would work.
Emily M, period 7
Students should be able to obtain birth control and contraceptives at the nurse's office in a public high school. With so many of today's teens engaging in sexual activity in combination with the media's coverage of sex in everyday life, teens may feel more pressured into engaging in sexual activities. Providing some form of contraceptive in a nurse's office would at least persuade a teen to think about making a smart, safe choice, with out possibly having to be embarassed about it.
-Hank H. Class 7
I agree with Kevin when he says "Personally and morally, however, I don't think it's a good idea." One side in the birth control debates mentions that by dispensing contraceptives to high school students, they are encouraging the students to partake in having sex, although it's protected. Also, the availability of the contraceptives such as condoms in a high school greatly raises awareness of sex in school, and I believe that teenagers are not ready to have sex.
Although many people had sex before marriage, the most popular age range to have sex would have to be 18-24, when you're a college student. Colleges believe that the students will make the right decision and thus most provide contraceptives to the students at no cost.
However, providing contraceptives at high schools is outrageous since a majority of the students are not ready to deal with the consequences of having a child. Even though condoms are the greatest way of preventing STIs and getting pregnant, they are not 100% trustworthy.
Yet, since a majority of high schools have health care systems in their schools and the dispensing of contraceptives has gone around for about 30 years in some cases, I believe it's safe to do so. As sexual activity in students rises, more steps should be taken to meet the health care needs of the students.
Thus, all in all, providing methods of birth control is very effective in this decade and is the best way to ensure that the students can remain in a safe environment without news of STIs, miscarriages, the birth of a child, or other results of having unprotected sex.
Andy H.
Class 7
This is without a doubt a controversial subject, if it wasnt we wouldnt be posting this blog. My view on the matter is that well I bielieve controceptives should be available publicly, as others have already stated, I'm not sure if in a public high school it is the right place. HOwever if this were to become the case, were they were readily available at the nurses, I think their should be a little discretion (eg. dont have a big bowl sitting on the countwer).
To answer your second question, I dont think having them available would increase the number of students having sex, just as it didnt when birth control was first invented; all it did was decrease the number of pregnancies. Providing students with the controceptives would just decrease some of the "side effects" (STD's, etc) of sex, and not incease the number of those engaging.
Cristina
Period 7
In response to Mrs. Hurley's question I do not believe that allowing students to obtain birth control in school would raise the number of students having sex. Students are already having sex anyways and by handing out birth control products we could help to prevent teen pregnancies and the spread of STDs. By handing out birth control products I don't think that there would be new people starting to have sex, it would just be the same old people and handing out birth control would make their lives a little safer.
i would absolutly argue that birth control should be available in high schools for students for a variety of reasons. for one, sex has become so common in American culture that the age where sex is happening continues to drop putting teenagers in particular at risk of pregnancy and std's. in agreeance to what Ishan had to say, trying to preach abstinance to high school students really isnt a good approach to the topic of sex as that likely wouldnt take effect for most. therefore by keeping birth control availabe for students, there is somewhat of a comfortable barrier thrown down in knowing that if a student is to commit a sexual act, it would more likely be safe.
In regards to Mrs. Hurley's comment, i would say no, that just because birth control might be freely availabe for students, that doesnt mean more young people will be having sex. its somewhat of a reasurance rather than an expectancy; that more people wont be having sex but for those who do, there is greater chance it will be without risk of pregnancy or std's.
To be honest, I don’t think nurses should provide contraceptives for students because it only encourages more sexual behavior. However, the problem with not providing contraceptives is the spread of various STI’s and STD’s such as Gonorrhea, Genital Herpes, Syphilis, and more commonly, Chlamydia. Without given these contraceptives the spread of these diseases are much more likely to happen. Unfortunately, most students are sexually active but are not using contraceptives because they either have no way of getting them or think that they will be just fine without them for instance using the “withdrawal method” ; which by the way is horrendously ineffective and is a more than a sure way to get pregnant. Anyways, if this was up to me I would have nurses at school provide these contraceptives because the spread of diseases would be less likely and unwanted pregnancies would be almost scarce. Even though I would be uncomfortable with the fact that so many would be sexually active I believe that this would save allot of serious doctor’s appointments and treatments of high doses of broad spectrum antibiotics not to mention, the extremely awkward talk with the parentals.
Kelsey P. Per 3
After reading the article and everyone else's responses I would have to say that school health centers should be able to provide contraceptives and birth control at school. It is the student's decision to whether or not they are going to have sex and if they have easy access to contraceptives then that is even better because that can drastically reduce the number of teen pregnancies. I must mention, however, I think that a parent or guardian must agree to allowing birth-control medicine, because those are not simply condoms, they are drugs and from what I have been told, the drugs do always agree with everyone; so permission should be required to be on the safe side.
Furthermore, I have to agree with Anne in that sex is already being promoted/encouraged in our society, via TV, magazines, and in some advertisements. In response to Mrs. Hurley's question about whether or not sex would increase I would have to say that it would not, and I agree with Ishan in that those who are not planning on having sex or thinking about it won't get them for it does not concern them. And that those who do get the contraceptives are people who had already planned on doing it, or are already doing it.
Colin S.
Period 3
I think that sexual activity is not something that a teen can judge the benefits and repercussions of in a wise manner. Taking the prompt at its face value, I would agree with Brian Mendonca that “providing contraceptives to kids this easily will just make it easier for them to feel that its ‘no big deal.’” Looking at it from this perspective, I would argue against the distribution of contraceptives at high school because I feel as if it would remove some of students’ inhibitions towards engaging in sexual activity, thereby increasing the number of students having sex. With contraceptives, students would be less concerned about the possibility repercussions of sex, and, taking the prompt at face value, I agree with those people (like Kevin) who say that sexual activity is something that should be discussed and determined between the guardian, child and perhaps a doctor. I do not feel that parents should necessarily be entirely informed about their child’s sexual activity, as I'm sure any classmate can understand, but I strongly feel that it is not the role of the schools to circumvent parents and hand out contraceptives.
With that said, there is a fact buried within the article that is essential to this argument and changes my opinion towards this issue. Towards the middle of the article, it states that “more than nine in 10 school-based health centers require parental consent for services when students enroll in the school,” thereby indicating that the parents would have to allow the schools to give out the contraceptives in the first place. This puts an entirely different spin on the argument that I don't think anyone else truly considered: if this is true, then the vast majority of these in-school health clinics would not be serving to facilitate sexual activity amongst students unbeknownst to parents. Rather, the parents would have to approve the handing out of contraceptives first, meaning that the schools would NOT be allowing kids to decide for themselves whether or not to make full use of the contraceptives.. Based on this one point, I would support the health clinics based on practical grounds: if the parents are ok with sexual activity, then the kids would most likely be practicing sex with or without the contraceptives provided by the schools. The in-school clinics, then, would only serve to decrease the spread of sexually transmitted infections and to decrease the rate of teenage pregnancies. In summation, I would support the in-school health clinics if and only if the services are available with parental consent. If the clinics are only going to make a parentally-approved practice more safe, then they are a positive and should be allowed; outside of this, clinics should not be placed in schools because they would be taking vital authority away from parents.
I feel like students should definitely be able to receive condoms and other contraceptives at school because not everyone can easily access these products on their own. If students are learning about sexual activities in Health class, it would be unfair to them if the school didn't provide these items for them, after teaching them to use them. I agree with Josh though, that at a middle school level, offering condoms would only make students more inclined to take part in sexual activities at a young age, which would be contradictory to what the schools are trying to teach. Hopefully at a High School level, students can make the right decisions for themselves. Also, I think parents should be left out of the matter, because the sexual activity of their child is really out of their control.
The issue of schools providing birth control for high school students has many layers to it. The reason why the issue is so complex is because the safest decision for high school students is one that admits that we have failed to instill abstinence in the minds of teens. By providing birth control, many feel as though they are giving students the impression that it is acceptable for them to have sex and that abstinence is no longer the only route. The truth is that whether schools preach abstinence or decide to provide birth control, students will continue to have sex. As Anne mentioned, sex is all over the TV and media, and it is portrayed in such a way to make it seem more acceptable and even “cool” than ever before. Based on this, it is necessary for schools to give up their idealistic views on abstinence and do what is right for their students. Additionally, parents must accept that there is a good chance that their children are more sexually active than they believe. I think Kevin’s claim that teens should communicate with parents instead of having to resort to schools for birth control is a bit idealistic since few teens are willing to admit to their parents that they have sex (due to either family morals or the overall embarrassment of bringing up the issue). When you look at the issue solely from the safety of the students, providing birth control is a great idea because it both teaches students safe ways to have sex and can help prevent the spread of STD’s and prevent pregnancies. When looking at it from this angle, there is truly no downside to providing birth control. It will not encourage students to have sex since they are not going to base their decision off of whether or not it is supported by their school, but it makes the entire process much safer. Student safety is the true issue here, so providing birth control seems to be the best solution.
Drew R.
Class 3
With regard to the second question, I do not think providing birth control will raise the number of students that have sex. Instead, I think it will raise the number of students that practice safe sex. Ideally, schools would like to believe that their teachings on sex (whether for or against) have an impact on students, but this is not really the case. Students form their ideas of sex based on the influence of their peers and the media, not their schools. As a result, whether schools provide birth control or not, students will not be encouraged to have sex. This would mean that students need the approval of their school before having sex, which is certainly not the case. I think students would respect their schools more and feel comfortable discussing issues such as safe sex in their schools if birth control were to be provided, thus creating an environment that it much safer for students that have or are planning to have sex in the near future. Therefore, there only seem to be benefits to providing birth control in high schools.
Drew R.
Class 3
agree with Ishan on his point about teaching abstinence at schools as the most basic form of contraception. Abstinence is the only foolproof method of birth control and although it can't be regulated, it is a good idea for schools to suggest it and also make sure that their students are fully aware of the consequences of sex and unprotected sex. Sadly, it is an unrealistic goal to suggest that all unprotected sex can be stopped by teaching abstinence. ecause of this, it is necessary to ensure that students know about different forms of protection and how to acquire them. Apparently, there can be some confusion about how to get contraceptives. I have a friend who was once worried because he thought that you had to be 18 years old to buy condoms. I think that this kind of misinformation is sad. If health classes actually told students that they can get contraceptives easily, rather than only telling students what they are, there might not be this much confusion. I think that the most and least that schools should do is provide condoms to students from the nurses office. In response to Mrs. Hurley's question, I don't think that the number of students having sex would rise. Students who want to engage in sexual activity already do so, but the number of students having protected sex would definitely increase. And that is definitely a good thing.
Patrick B. Period 3.
I greatly dissagree with Anne. Contraceptives should most deffinetly not be offered in school nurses offices. If it were to be offered students would take it as a message saying intercorse is acceptable at such an age. If a student not offered concraceptives in such an easy way they will not be carless enough to be involved in sexual activity becasue we have been taught well enough over the years of the severe consequences. I agree with Kevin that this topic should be soly between a parent, child, and doctor. If birth control was offered at highschools, how long will it take for some to feel it is necissary for middle school as well. The idea is simply ill concived and rediculous.
I don't think that birth control should be available at a high school. I don't really think it is appropriate to provide contraceptives on school grounds, because (hopefully) no one will need them at school. It is a different story in college because we live on the grounds therefore contraceptives should be readily available. I also don't think school nurses should administer the pill. That is something to talk to your doctor about. However, to address the problems presented by my class mates and the article about STDs and pregnancy, there needs to be more free health clinics. Health clinics are more qualified to administer these things, not the school.
Leah B
Period 3
Although there are certainly cases on both sides, I personally believe that contraceptives should be offered by high school nurses. While it may be true that this makes it seem easier for teens to safely have sex, I don't believe it would make them have MORE sex. The reality of modern times is that teens will find a way to have sex if they want to, whether they're given the means to make it safe or not. It would be more responsible for the school to protect it's students by giving out birth control and teaching how to use it safely than to try to ignore the fact that the students are sexually active. In the long run, providing birth control through a school nurse could prevent somebody from ruining their life. There's really no case against that.
No, I do not believe that public schools should be authorized to distribute birth control pills to students. The use of birth control pills is a personal issue that students under eighteen need to discusss with their parents, and especially their doctors. Parents need to know if their children are considering birth control pills so they can make the best and most educated decision. And it is a conversation that students need to have with their doctors so they do not put their health at risk by taking birth control pills handed out by a high school.
Douglas Brodbeck
Class 7
I definitely think that providing birth control in a high school setting would increase the number of students having sex. Because the school providing birth control is coveying a message that students having sex is okay as long as you take birth control. Although, there are other factors to consider. STD's would be more prevelant in the high school, and even with the use of a condem, they are not 100% protective from STD's.
Douglas Brodbeck
Class 7
I believe that although the school teaches abstinence and believes that is the best way to prevent from any STD's or pregnancy it is not the most realistic way. Teens in high school who want to be sexually active are going to be sexually active whether a teacher tells them to or not. Therefore, I believe providing birth control in school is a good way for kids who do not talk to their parents about it, can get the protection they need.
Liz P.
Period 3
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