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KrisT
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Maine Middle School to Offer Birth Control
Since we were able to have a civilized debate yesterday, I was interested in seeing any thoughts or opinions on this article from CNN.
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) -- After an outbreak of pregnancies among middle school girls, education officials in this city have decided to allow a school health center to make birth control pills available to girls as young as 11.
Maine's King Middle School is the first in the state to offer full range of contraceptives to 6th-8th graders.
King Middle School will become the first middle school in Maine to make a full range of contraception available, including birth control pills and patches. Condoms have been available at King's health center since 2000.
Students need parental permission to access the school's health center. But treatment is confidential under state law, which allows the students to decide whether to inform their parents about the services they receive.
There are no national figures on how many middle schools provide such services. Most middle schoolers range in age from 11 to 13. Watch parents react to the school's plan »
"It's very rare that middle schools do this," said Divya Mohan, a spokeswoman for the National Assembly on School-Based Health Care.
Portland's three middle schools reported 17 pregnancies during the last four years, not counting miscarriages or terminated pregnancies that weren't reported to the school nurse.
The Portland School Committee approved the plan, offered by city health officials, on a 7-2 vote Wednesday night. Whether the prescriptions would be offered this school year or next wasn't immediately clear.
King is the only one of the three schools with a health center, primarily because it has more students who get free or reduced-price lunch, said Lisa Belanger, who oversees Portland's student health centers.
Five of the 134 students who visited King's health center during the 2006-07 school year reported having sexual intercourse, said Amanda Rowe, lead nurse in Portland's school health centers.
Committee member Sarah Thompson, also the mother of a King eighth-grader, supported the policy, even though it made her "uncomfortable."
"I know I've done my job as a parent," Thompson said. "(But there) may be a time when she doesn't feel comfortable coming to me ... (and) not all these kids have a strong parental advocate at home."
Chairman John Coyne opposed the change, saying the roles of social agencies and public schools have blurred over the years. "At some point there needs to be a clearing of the gray lines," he said.
The other "no" vote Wednesday night came from Ben Meiklejohn, who said a parental consent form, which allows students to receive any kind of treatment at the school health center, does not clearly define the services being offered.
Some opponents cited religious and health objections.
"We are dealing with children," said Diane Miller, a former school nurse said. "I am just horrified at the suggestion."
Another opponent, Peter Doyle, said he felt the proposal violated the rights of parents and puts students at risk of cancer because of hormones in the pill.
Supporters said a small number of students at King are sexually active, but they need better access to birth control.
"This isn't encouraging kids to have sex. This is about the kids who are engaging in sexually activity," Richard Veilleux said.
At King, birth control prescriptions will be given after a student undergoes a physical exam by a physician or nurse practitioner, Belanger said.
Nationally, about one-fourth of student health centers that serve at least one grade of adolescents 11 and older dispense some form of contraception, said Mohan, whose Washington-based organization represents more than 1,700 school-based centers nationwide.
A high school in Topeka, Kansas, stopped providing free condoms to students Wednesday after district officials learned of the month-old program. The district has a policy against providing contraceptives.
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Posted 10/18/07 11:37 AM  |
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Shelly
She's 7!!!
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Re: Maine Middle School to Offer Birth Control
While I think that offering contraception and sex education is important, I am very nervous about the medical aspect of this. My first concern is about children being given the patch or the pill at such a young age without their parent's consent. We are talking about school health officials (are they doctors) who may or may not have access to a child's full medical history dispensing drugs to very young minors without their parental consent. That makes me very nervous.
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| Posted 10/18/07 11:44 AM |
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KrisT
Two Boys for Me!!
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Kristin
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Re: Maine Middle School to Offer Birth Control
Posted by Shelly
While I think that offering contraception and sex education is important, I am very nervous about the medical aspect of this. My first concern is about children being given the patch or the pill at such a young age without their parent's consent. We are talking about school health officials (are they doctors) who may or may not have access to a child's full medical history dispensing drugs to very young minors without their parental consent. That makes me very nervous.
That was my initial gut reaction. At ages 11-13, I would think that the parent should dictate (barring any extreme circumstance) what medicine their child is taking.
I also think that it is NEVER appropriate for an 11-13 year old to have sex (though I know it does happen). In my opinion, while I am not condoning a 16 year old having sex, there is a HUGE difference between a 16 year old and an 11 year old.
Message edited 10/18/2007 11:49:05 AM.
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| Posted 10/18/07 11:48 AM |
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JessInCA
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Re: Maine Middle School to Offer Birth Control
I'm very surprised that they can legally give out birth control pills to minors - which is medication - without parental consent, especially since in a lot of schools, the school nurse can't even give a child aspirin without explicit parental consent, and/or the parents providing the medication, etc.
Yes, the parents have given consent for the children to visit the health center knowing that they can obtain contraception there, but that's not the same as specifically consenting for someone to give their children meds, and I wonder how that would hold up in court if a parent changed their mind, got upset, and decided to sue about it.
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| Posted 10/18/07 11:51 AM |
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Bxgell2
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Re: Maine Middle School to Offer Birth Control
Posted by Shelly
While I think that offering contraception and sex education is important, I am very nervous about the medical aspect of this. My first concern is about children being given the patch or the pill at such a young age without their parent's consent. We are talking about school health officials (are they doctors) who may or may not have access to a child's full medical history dispensing drugs to very young minors without their parental consent. That makes me very nervous.
That was my first gutteral instinct as well. While teen pregnancies are certainly a problem, I really do NOT think it's the place of the school district or education system to provide medical supplies to students. The education system is just that - EDUCATION. I have absolutely NO issue with educational counseling on health and pregnancy issues, but they've taken it one step too far when they intervene themselves in the medical arena.
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| Posted 10/18/07 11:52 AM |
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Shelly
She's 7!!!
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Re: Maine Middle School to Offer Birth Control
Posted by KrisT
I also think that it is NEVER appropriate for an 11-13 year old to have sex (though I know it does happen). In my opinion, while I am not condoning a 16 year old having sex, there is a HUGE difference between a 16 year old and an 11 year old.
I agree- but the article said that they had 17 middle school students get pregnant in the last 3 years, that they know about. So I think it is great that they are doing something proactive, but I think they need to start with education and maybe condoms. But giving out medicine is just going to far IMO.
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| Posted 10/18/07 11:55 AM |
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Ophelia
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Re: Maine Middle School to Offer Birth Control
Posted by Shelly
While I think that offering contraception and sex education is important, I am very nervous about the medical aspect of this. My first concern is about children being given the patch or the pill at such a young age without their parent's consent. We are talking about school health officials (are they doctors) who may or may not have access to a child's full medical history dispensing drugs to very young minors without their parental consent. That makes me very nervous.
Mine as well.
In fact, it's my only real issue with this at all.
Unfortunately, with the young beautification of our society also comes a young sexualization (IMO). But these girls are still developing physically and hormonally.
sure they can pluck their eyebrows, throw on a push up bra, and are physically ready for sex, but the idea of altering hormones that are already running amok is frightening to me.
condoms do the trick. I think it should end there.
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| Posted 10/18/07 11:58 AM |
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BlondeJD
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Re: Maine Middle School to Offer Birth Control
I agree with the previous posters about the problems with this idea. Also, practically speaking, I don't think that a 11-13 year old girl is necessarily going to remember to take the BC every day at the same time (heck, I have 30 year old friends who take it at 8am one day and 10pm the next day). The result is that the BC will be less effective and/or the girls will be doubling up on pills and possibly making themselves sick. I also think, at that age, while they shouldn't be having s e x to begin with and probably aren't thinking of long-term consequences, giving them BC might give them more of an excuse not to use a condom.
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| Posted 10/18/07 11:58 AM |
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KrisT
Two Boys for Me!!
Member since 1/07 5213 total posts
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Kristin
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Re: Maine Middle School to Offer Birth Control
Posted by Shelly
Posted by KrisT
I also think that it is NEVER appropriate for an 11-13 year old to have sex (though I know it does happen). In my opinion, while I am not condoning a 16 year old having sex, there is a HUGE difference between a 16 year old and an 11 year old.
I agree- but the article said that they had 17 middle school students get pregnant in the last 3 years, that they know about. So I think it is great that they are doing something proactive, but I think they need to start with education and maybe condoms. But giving out medicine is just going to far IMO.
I totally get your point, but I also think that at that age, there needs to be a SERIOUS emphasis on abstinence as well as other forms of birth control.
Besides the fact that 11-13 year olds cannot possibly handle the consequences of a child (they are not even old enough to get working papers), there are many 11-13 year olds that bodies are not yet developed enough to handle birth and having sex is putting their lives as well as the baby's life in jeopardy.
It is so scary to me that they had 17 pregnant middle school students. I think that this is a bigger problem then just giving the kids birth control.
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| Posted 10/18/07 11:59 AM |
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Bxgell2
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Re: Maine Middle School to Offer Birth Control
Posted by KrisT
It is so scary to me that they had 17 pregnant middle school students. I think that this is a bigger problem then just giving the kids birth control.
Absolutely, and that's exactly why they need to conduct an INTENSE educational program for these students, and perhaps even try to reach out the parents. But, to turn to the pill as a remedy is just an easy out, in my opinion, and one that's really dangerous.
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| Posted 10/18/07 12:02 PM |
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Ophelia
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remember, when Gulliver traveled....
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Re: Maine Middle School to Offer Birth Control
Posted by KrisT
I totally get your point, but I also think that at that age, there needs to be a SERIOUS emphasis on abstinence as well as other forms of birth control.
Besides the fact that 11-13 year olds cannot possibly handle the consequences of a child (they are not even old enough to get working papers), there are many 11-13 year olds that bodies are not yet developed enough to handle birth and having sex is putting their lives as well as the baby's life in jeopardy.
It is so scary to me that they had 17 pregnant middle school students. I think that this is a bigger problem then just giving the kids birth control.
I am going under the assumption that in inaddition to these measures, they are teaching young girls and boys about the importance of respecting themselves and their bodies.
Sexual education should include both the physical AND emotional consequences of doing it too soon, too early, and too often.
this is an "epidemic" of sorts in many small towns or isolated areas. they start early, for lack of something else to do.
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| Posted 10/18/07 12:04 PM |
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Kissy331
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Re: Maine Middle School to Offer Birth Control
Posted by Ophelia
Posted by Shelly
While I think that offering contraception and sex education is important, I am very nervous about the medical aspect of this. My first concern is about children being given the patch or the pill at such a young age without their parent's consent. We are talking about school health officials (are they doctors) who may or may not have access to a child's full medical history dispensing drugs to very young minors without their parental consent. That makes me very nervous.
Mine as well.
In fact, it's my only real issue with this at all.
Unfortunately, with the young beautification of our society also comes a young sexualization (IMO). But these girls are still developing physically and hormonally.
sure they can pluck their eyebrows, throw on a push up bra, and are physically ready for sex, but the idea of altering hormones that are already running amok is frightening to me.
condoms do the trick. I think it should end there.
I could not agree more. The only other input I do have though is it is a different society up there. I am speaking on first hand experience since I have family up there & both my mom & SIL are teachers. Teenage pregnancy is almost a common thing up there & not saying it is right or wrong, I think something needs to be done.
Some of the parents don't have that big of an influence on their kids lives & truly don't know anything going on. I think offering the education about sexual health is good. Condoms should be offered out because at least it is something. I am not sure that handing out birth control though without seeking medical attention or even parental consent is good.
Then again you have the aspect that in some of the communities up there, they are not exposed to the medical insurance we are accustomed to. Many families in the state of Maine do not gross over $100K in salaries. So if the school is offering it up for free, it is better then not having it at all
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| Posted 10/18/07 12:05 PM |
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tourist
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Re: Maine Middle School to Offer Birth Control
Posted by Bxgell2
they need to conduct an INTENSE educational program for these students, and perhaps even try to reach out the parents. But, to turn to the pill as a remedy is just an easy out, in my opinion, and one that's really dangerous.
Exactly- my first reaction to "17 middle school pregnanacies in 4 years" is that sex ed should be started in the 5th grade int hat district and that it should be through & practical with advice regarding abstinence, condoms & consquences. And it should probably also be taught EVERY year, so kids can absorb it on a different level, as they become more sexual.
Message edited 10/18/2007 12:19:41 PM.
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| Posted 10/18/07 12:18 PM |
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Kissy331
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Re: Maine Middle School to Offer Birth Control
Posted by tourist
Posted by Bxgell2
they need to conduct an INTENSE educational program for these students, and perhaps even try to reach out the parents. But, to turn to the pill as a remedy is just an easy out, in my opinion, and one that's really dangerous.
Exactly- my first reaction to "17 middle school pregnanacies in 4 years" is that sex ed should be started in the 5th grade int hat district and that it should be through & practical with advice regarding abstinence, condoms & consquences. And it should probably also be taught EVERY year, so kids can absorb it on a different level, as they become more sexual.
I agree but you have to remember something. It is not just this district. In most rural towns in any state, you will have the same outcome. Many do not have the parental guidance they should & they turn to "sex" to feel the love. These are kids having kids. Trust me, when I am up there & see the kids in the stores pushing their babies, I shutter. It is almost a norm to have a kid by the time you are 16.
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| Posted 10/18/07 12:22 PM |
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Kara
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Re: Maine Middle School to Offer Birth Control
Okay, so we're giving 11 year olds medication without their parents' consent or knowledge... so then that kid goes to the pediatrician for some ailment (or god forbid the emergency room) and doesn't disclose that they are taking this medication. The parents can't do it because they don't know about it... Is no one worried that they might take a drug that would interact with this medication?
And what about allergies and other issues...
And are these girls getting pelvic and breast exams? Are they getting their blood pressure checked? No doctor worth any money would give a script for BC without these things. What about kids who smoke? Does the school care about the increased risk of blood clots?
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| Posted 10/18/07 12:25 PM |
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Nicole728
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Re: Maine Middle School to Offer Birth Control
Posted by KrisT
"We are dealing with children," said Diane Miller, a former school nurse said. "I am just horrified at the suggestion."
Yes, but you are dealing with children who are having sex and getting pregnant
So with that said, I def do think it should be offered with parental consent
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| Posted 10/18/07 12:28 PM |
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Emily
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Re: Maine Middle School to Offer Birth Control
How is it legal to give medicine to a child w/o parental consent?
If it was just condoms that would be a different story. I would support it, even though I believe it is too young to have intercourse.
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| Posted 10/18/07 12:29 PM |
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Karen
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Re: Maine Middle School to Offer Birth Control
I can see both sides, but I guess I am most nervous about giving hormones to such young bodies. Who knows what kind of long-term effects there are?
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| Posted 10/18/07 12:31 PM |
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MrsSteflily
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Re: Maine Middle School to Offer Birth Control
Posted by Nicole728
Posted by KrisT
"We are dealing with children," said Diane Miller, a former school nurse said. "I am just horrified at the suggestion."
Yes, but you are dealing with children who are having sex and getting pregnant
So with that said, I def do think it should be offered with parental consent
ITA.
I have no problem with the school making it available, but it shouldn't be handed out without parental consent and without intensive education. There's more at stake then preventing teenage pregnancy.
If they are anything like my 13 yo stepdaughter who can't remember to brush her own teeth, there's no way that she would remember to take a pill daily. We are talking about children who have not learned responsibility of taking care of themselves yet.
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| Posted 10/18/07 1:41 PM |
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Ltdentway99
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Re: Maine Middle School to Offer Birth Control
It's scary and sad that it has to be this way. I'm sure if the school is deciding to do this, it's with good reason.
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| Posted 10/18/07 1:53 PM |
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JessInCA
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Re: Maine Middle School to Offer Birth Control
I discussed this with a coworker, who said she went to high school on an American military base in Germany, and they had a very similar program there (health center where students have full access to all forms of birth control without their parents being informed).
She said it was great. Their school had no pregnancies in the years she and her siblings attended. The health center was operated in conjunction with health classes that promoted abstinence but educated about birth control options, and there were doctors at the health center who did full exams and counseled you before handing out prescriptions.
However, that was high school. She said, as a person who's taken advatange of similar services, that it was a godsend in high school, but middle school is too young.
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| Posted 10/18/07 2:00 PM |
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Kara
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Re: Maine Middle School to Offer Birth Control
Why should birth control be any different than any other medication? Why don't we just allow schools to give out prozac and penicillin to kids without consent?
I get that teen an preteen pregnancy is a big deal, but are we REALLY talking about giving this medication out without a full doctor's exam, medical history, etc.? C'mon, what 11 year old really knows their full medical history -- and how do prove an 11 year old consented to a pelvic exam without her parents' knowledge or consent? I can't imagine what doc is going to write these prescriptions without examining the children first.
Or is the school board just going to order a bunch of generic drugs from Mexico to pump into these little girls?
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| Posted 10/18/07 2:03 PM |
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tourist
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Re: Maine Middle School to Offer Birth Control
Posted by MrsSteflily
If they are anything like my 13 yo stepdaughter who can't remember to brush her own teeth, there's no way that she would remember to take a pill daily. We are talking about children who have not learned responsibility of taking care of themselves yet.
That's a good point. There is a high likelyhood that they woudn't take it properly, and not think it was a big deal & get pregnanat anyway. Or forget days & double up & get sick.
I'm just surprised the school would want to even get involved with all that.
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| Posted 10/18/07 3:00 PM |
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JessieQ
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Re: Maine Middle School to Offer Birth Control
Posted by Kara
Okay, so we're giving 11 year olds medication without their parents' consent or knowledge... so then that kid goes to the pediatrician for some ailment (or god forbid the emergency room) and doesn't disclose that they are taking this medication. The parents can't do it because they don't know about it... Is no one worried that they might take a drug that would interact with this medication?
This is my concern too. The msNBC version of the story says they'll be given exams, but if the parents aren't being told than is the child's regular doctor going to be informed? Also, as others said most kids that age are not going to be able to remember to take the pills every day.
The other thing that bothers me about giving out the pill is that the pill doesn't protect against STDs.
The fact that they have been providing condoms since 2000 and they're still seeing pregnancies suggests to me that these kids are going to have sex no matter what- I guess that's why they're taking this drastic measure. But I don't think the pill is the answer. I think they need to have more education and support for these kids, and start the education at a younger age.
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| Posted 10/18/07 3:15 PM |
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Summer05
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Re: Maine Middle School to Offer Birth Control
While I am not condoning middle school aged children having sex, I think contraception should be available to them.
What bothers me is that they want to give them the pill. Maybe they should make condoms more readily available to them. Not only are girls that age are not responsible enough to remember to take them everyday, but there are so many diseases that they will not be protecting themselves from by only taking the pill.
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| Posted 10/18/07 3:19 PM |
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