Question about birth control pills and their distribution to minors at schools?

Question

I don't know a lot about birth control pills but was confused about Portland, ME middle schools passing them out to kids and am looking for info.

I was under the impression that birth control pills were regulated by the FDA and required a doctor's prescrition. In Portland are doctors looking at these girls and writing scripts? Are hey ignoring the need for the prescription? Is it against the law to distribute these pills without a prescription?

I'm against this buit seems to make more sense to distribute condoms that aren't ingested and also protect against STDs.

Answer 1

According to the CBS news program where I saw this, there will be exams conducted at the school and these have to be conducted by doctors or nurse practitioners, who can write and provide the prescriptions.

The societal ramifications of this type of policy are astounding to me and I cannot imagine parents going along with it. I am furious.

I doubt many 11-13 year olds are capable of adequately self-administering the pill and this policy may well result in increased sexual activity, teen pregnancy and disease.

Answer 2

It appears that only a small portion of the student body is affected. The report states that no prepubescent children will be given the pills. The schools there have a health center to which the students go, with parental permission. The concern is whether or not the parents signing the permission slips are aware of the possibility that students can get birth control pills there. Another consideration is who these children are having sex with. Maine law states it is against the law to have sex with a minor under 14. Would the doctors also be required to report the activity to the authorities?
While I certainly understand the concerns this policy raises, and would hope that parents are providing adequate training to their children regarding sex and birth control, I believe it is better to make the pills available, under a doctor's supervision, than to have an eleven year old single mother. This is an extremely difficult issue to judge, and should perhaps be studied to find out the efficacy of such policies.

Answer 3

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21358971/

Evidently, parental permission is required, but a doctor's prescription isn't in Maine. I agree with the parental permission, at the very least, but I don't see how a school board could vote (7-2) to give out birth control pills without a doctor's prescription, unless the school district has doctors on hand. I doubt they do, they'll probably just hand out the pills if the kids (ages 11-13) bring in a signed permission slip. The fact is, that birth control pills can, for some people cause serious side effects and I would think a doctor's prescription would be required before giving one to what in essence is, a little kid (who, I don't think, the pills were even designed for in the first place).

Answer 4

I have never had a girlfriend that didnt have to go to the doctor to get them. There are a lot of health risks that go along with them and they have to prescribe different one's for some people becuase they cant take one kind becuase of a pre-existing condition or another drug they are taking interaction with that drug.


Also if these schools are always complaining about not having enough money for books and supplies why are they spending money on giving these kids birth control pills. couldnt the money be spent on school stuff

By the way when the STD rate goes through the roof becuase these 11 year old girls feel they are having safe sex what are they going to do give out free STD shots too.

There is a reason we dont let children enter into contracts, They are not mature enough, but somehow they are able to handle birth control

Answer 5

From what I've read, there are docs and nurse practitioners who write the prescriptions for them. It does sound kind of stupid, doesn't it? An 11 year old is not likely to consider the possibility of diseases, or the fact that the pill is not 100 % effective. Condoms are a stretch, but maybe. Certainly not birth control pills.

Answer 6

in case you get a prescription and you're a minor, maximum possibly you would be under your mothers and dads insurance. while they get the invoice it says what replaced into coated. in case you bypass to deliberate be sure hood you do no longer choose a prescription in simple terms an examination and you get the pills relatively decrease priced.in case you bypass on your physician and get an examination ask them if there's a manner you will get the pills devoid of dealing with insurance.... anticipate to pay lots that way inspite of the indisputable fact that.

Answer 7

Morality aside. Do they know what the long term effects of hormone therapy is on children? I have found no conclusive studies since I first heard about this. What about side effects and contraindications?

Also these types of hormones have been found to be a possible precursor of cancer in younger and older patients.

Safety unknown! I would not take a chance if it was my child.

Answer 8

A nurse practitioner is almost like a doctor. They are nurses with a masters degree. They are allowed to prescribe some medications to people and give health exams. However i dont think its right for this to be happening in schools, with children as young as 11!

Answer 9

They are aiding and abetting a crime....I believe the legal age of consent in ME is fourteen...if you give someone under that age anything that encourages or promotes their engaging in sexual activity...you are aiding them in breaking the law....not to mention the havoc hormones will reek on their imature bodies

For God's sake, a seventeen year old senior cannot take an aspirin without parental consent....they don't know when they have a headache....but an eleven year old knows she is mature enough for a sexual relationship....

Liberal reasoning....it is gonna kill us all.

Answer 10

It makes me glad my kids are older, and that my Grandkids don't go to school in Portland. What gives these idiots the idea that they have a right to interfere and give birth control pills to underaged children without consulting the parents of these children? This is not a communist country YET! I wonder how they'd enjoy a few years in the "Crossbar Hotel".