Birth control is not the answer

There is only one response to this article: Children that young should not be having sex. Period.

Pupils at a city middle school will be able to get birth control pills and patches at their student health center after the local school board approved the proposal Wednesday evening.

The plan, offered by city health officials, makes King Middle School the first middle school in Maine to make a full range of contraception available to students in grades 6 through 8, according to the state Department of Health and Human Services.

It is disappointing that our society has become so focused on "treatment," and the easy fix- rather than a deeper consideration of the root of a problem and prevention.

Those who favored the plan said it isn't about encouraging premature sex, but protecting kids who don't have strong support from their parents.

"Unfortunately, not every child is getting the kind of parental involvement that is going to help keep them safe," said Richard Verrier.

"If my daughter were not able to talk with me about something, if she couldn't reach me for whatever reason, to keep her safe and healthy, I would want to make sure she had access to those resources from trusted adults," Verrier said.

Handing out birth control like it's candy does and will encourage premature sex. When there's no fear of consequences, it sure is a lot easier to find trouble.

These "trusted adults" are forgetting the risks! Premature sex can lead to increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases, infection, pregnancy, and greater risk of getting cervical cancer. They are opening the door- in middle school?!

If a child doesn't have parental involvement in their life, OK-ing their sexually deviant behavior at age 11 won't take the place of the disciplinary role they need! Perhaps this decision by the Portland School Committee was made in an effort to cut admin costs and save on hiring School Counselors. I sure don't see a need for them now.