The issue at the local middle school (children 11 - 14 years of age) is about oral contraceptives for the female students. They have been offering condoms in school for several years now with no hubbub. I read in the local paper that in Maine there are approximately 20 pregnancies per year for girls under the age of 15. 20 per year. I guess they're all happening at this particular middle school. I have no problems whatsoever with handing out condoms to these kids and showing them how to use them properly as well as sex education. What I do have a problem with is them given the pill to 11,12 and 13 year old girls who aren't finished developing and growing yet. Do they have any idea what the long term effects will be? How are these children going to deal with the side effects, or remembering to take the pill every day at the exact same time? Seems to me that condoms are a more effective method for people this age.
Also, to comment on Ranger1's remark about needing parental permission.. The parents have to sign a form giving their children permission to be treated in the clinic for ANYTHING. Once in the clinic the children and healthcare providers don't need to tell the parents what the kids are there for.