Pantagraph.com | News | Middle school to offer contraceptives to kids

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

This is not right part 2 wrote on Nov 2, 2007 2:19 PM:

" As a parent I am responsible for MY childs actions. I have the freedom to raise my child with the morals and values I feel fit. IF MY child makes a poor decision that results in a teenage pregnancy she has consequences of her actions, and I am responsible for allowing her into that situation in the first place. It has always been an issue with children and early pregnancies. The problem in todays society is the parent(s) do not take responsibility or the Parenting Roll as they should. Now they want hand outs to help raise their grandkids or to place the blame elsewhere. That is a big NO in my opinion. If my teen or pre teen makes poor choices and becomes pregnant I have failed to communicate those very values and morals I uphold. So rather than take that "cure all pill" we must start parenting our children to be responsible in the first place and get off our lazy butts and enforce it. "

this is too easy wrote on Nov 1, 2007 2:19 PM:

" okay, on the one hand, you've got pills being handed out to teenage girls that deny pregnancy from the sex they are most certainly having, on a regular basis, just like we did, and just like my parents' generation did (c'mon, wasn't it the now-grayed baby boomers that were all about "free love"? didn't even the flappers of the twenties have "petting parties"? that's, like, older than my grandparents!). on the other, you've got half the student body of a MIDDLE SCHOOL pregnant or nursing. which sounds like a backwards way of thinking? which sounds like at least a possibility for something good? how exactly are countless middle school mothers going to get the education everyone says they should? this isn't rocket science, and clearly abstinence has NEVER been even close to popular, not ever. "

To: Julie wrote on Nov 1, 2007 12:32 PM:

" Instead of depending on the government to give your daughter free condoms for her "weakness," you should, as her LOVING, RESPONSIBLE PARENT, teach her about SELF-RESPECT, SELF-CONTROL, and how that lacking these qualities can destroy her emotionally and physically, as well as destroy her future...not to mention the lives of others that would be affected by her wrong choices...including maybe the innocent lives of her own children…your little grandchildren…born and unborn. "

to This is not right wrote on Nov 1, 2007 6:35 AM:

" As many people have said repeatedly, the school had a very very high teen pregnancy rate. Yes, it is/was the parents responsibility, but they completely dropped the ball. Putting your hands over your ears and repeating "Its the parents job!" over and over again aren't going to turn those parents into responsible individuals, so the school has to take over. "

every wrote on Oct 31, 2007 9:13 PM:

" sperm is sacred, every sperm is great. If a sperm is wasted, God gets quite irate. "

To: This is not right wrote on Oct 31, 2007 5:19 PM:

" You are absolutely correct. Parents and children aren't taught to be responsible. There are no consequences. everyone is a victim and the neighbors owe them because they have more. It is not up to the school districts or the government to tell us how to raise our children. I better not hear of anyone giving my jr high grand daughter the pill. I will go into a rage. It is not their responsibility, that belongs to her parents. "

This is not right wrote on Oct 31, 2007 12:14 AM:

" The more my 13 year old daughter has been taught at school....the things PARENTS should be teaching their child....the more she learns how to disrespect herself and others. And she learns that "There is always the morning after pill", or the pill, yadayadayada. She can't even remember to take her asthma meds daily without parental supervision and that is life threatening. They do not learn that their actions have consequences that won't just flush down the toilet. They don't have to live with the choices they makes because no one is going to be able stop them until it's to late. What, take away TV, the phone....what a joke. Kids know if they get a spank on the bottom (NOT abused by any means) they can call the police on a parent or teacher. In turn they have less and less respect for society. Parents get "busy at work" or home and need to supervise their kids and TEACH them more than their nursery rhymes. School should NOT be taking on this roll. It is the Parent's responsibility and duty to their child. "

Good wrote on Oct 30, 2007 7:09 AM:

" I wish they would put birth control in the water supply. "

Wonderful idea!!!!! wrote on Oct 29, 2007 1:22 PM:

" I wish they had this when I was in middle school, combined with a perfect piece of post college womanhood to teach me how to join the ranks of real manhood. One of the biggest issues w face in today's society is that we are all expected to just know how to perform well in the bedroom without any experience. I applaud the ability to start early and practice often. If anyone has any young daughters that need so education, please feel free to pass on their numbers!!!! "

former high schooler wrote on Oct 28, 2007 11:42 AM:

" you know...i was in high school not too long ago and let me just tell you that my first time was when i was 17 and that was way too young, NOT when i was in middle school by any means! this is crazy. I truly believe it is the Paris Hiltons and Britney Spears of the world that these little girls seein sleeping with different people all of the time and they want to be like them, they want be sexy and wear lots of make up and look perfect for all these little boys. You know what i mean? THIS is crazy there is NO reason that a middle schooler should be even thinking about sex. what happened to being a KID! Because you and I all know that there is nothing wrong with being a kid! "

Old School Parent wrote on Oct 26, 2007 6:28 PM:

" Did everyone forget the old wiseman proverb: "Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child" Now I am in no way advocating child abuse. I think people that abuse their childred shouln be thrown into a pit of rabid wolverines. But a little swat on the pants will keep a child in line. I was spanked as a child as were many other people. We turned out just fine and most of us thank our parents everyday for not letting us get too out of line. To further that point parents need to teach children from a very young age about the sanctity of marriage. We as a society have let things like devorce become common place and lost sight of the true meaning of why two people get married. Combine the above lessons and you have a very affective way to teach our youth that premarital sex is not an exceptable way of life. Then there would be no need for contraceptive programs like this at our schools. "

To Teachers wrote on Oct 26, 2007 11:36 AM:

" Parents do not want to be responsible for their kids. They just want to tell everyone else how to be responsible with them. If the parents were doing their jobs, then the teachers would not have to do it, just to be able to teach. It is part of the socialist mentality for Americans. Parents want the village to raise their kids, because they are just to busy to be able to do it (or so they say). So they expect everyone else to pitch in, and help take care of the choice they made. It is no wonder that the youth today will not be responsible, they learned it from their parents. "

The Decider wrote on Oct 25, 2007 11:11 PM:

" I just hate it when my GOP friend's 12 year old daughters turn up pregnant. :( "

Teachers: The new parent substitute wrote on Oct 25, 2007 2:04 PM:

" Why don't we start with the parents instead of at the schools? As a teacher and parent myself, I can vouch that we have enough on out plate. Teaching kids about the birds and the bees and appropriate conduct at school only goes so far if it is not reinforced at home. Parents need to take responsibility for their children and stop treating the school like a day care center. Plus, why should the schools be in charge of birth control pills or any other contraceptive. They are there to teach children their A, B, C's and 1, 2, 3's. Is it any wonder the US has fallen behind several other countries education wise? Come on parents, get with the program. "

SHAME ON US PARENTS wrote on Oct 25, 2007 10:31 AM:

" LETS GET OUR LIVES TOGETHER FOR OUR KIDS SAKE. HOW MANY PARENTS REALLY KNOW WHAT THEIR KIDS ARE DOING OUT THERE? dO YOUR KIDS HAVE TO TELL YOU WHERE THEY ARE GOING? WHAT TIME THEY WILL BE HOME? DO YOU KNOW THE PARENTS OF WHERE THEY ARE SUPPOSE TO BE GOING?? HOW ABOUT A PHONE NUMBER? LETS START BEING PARENTS AGAIN. WE BROUGHT THEM INTO THIS WORLD...THEY ARE OUR RESPONSIBILITY NOT THE SCHOOLS OR GOVERNMENT. GIVING THEM THE PILL OR CONDOMS IS TELLING THEM SEX IS OKAY BEFORE THEY ARE MARRIED. WHERE IS YOUR HEAD PARENTS...WHAT WOULD YOUR PARENTS HAVE SAID TO THIS? MAYBE TURN OVER IN THEIR GRAVE?IF YOU DONT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR OWN KIDS...GIVE THEM UP FOR ADOPTION SO THEY CAN HAVE A CHANCE. DO YOU THINK YOUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS WANT SEX AT THIS AGE? NO..THEY WANT TO FIT IN...DO THINGS WITH YOUR KIDS SO THEY DONT FEEL LIKE THEY HAVE TO FIND LOVE SOMEWHERE ELSE.. BELIEVE ME...THEY WILL FIND IT WHERE EVER THEY HAVE TO...LET THEM BE LITTLE...THEY GROW UP TO FAST! "

I would rather wrote on Oct 25, 2007 7:31 AM:

" my daughter tell me that she's not having sex and that I gave her good advice as a parent. Sometimes there's more than two choices. "

This is just sad wrote on Oct 25, 2007 7:29 AM:

" Middle schoolers should not be thinking about sex. Their childhood is being swept away before our eyes, and all people can say is that they're going to do it anyway. Forget morality, forget sexual health, what about the baggage that people carry when they engage in sex before marriage. It leads to broken relationships that carry on into the next relationship. It causes kids to be raised in broken homes. The scientists can prevent pregnancy and disease, but they will never be able to prevent the emotional consequences of promiscuous sex. "

This is just sad wrote on Oct 25, 2007 7:21 AM:

concerned wrote on Oct 24, 2007 5:07 PM:

" These kids are still kids! They need to understand that if they are "responsible" enough to have sex, they are "responsible" enough to be parents. Pills are only 99.9% effective and condoms can get holes in them. "

to To: Welcome to Life wrote on Oct 24, 2007 12:26 PM:

" Abstinence is an overkill solution to prevent pregnancy. Amazingly enough the pill works. Knowing your partner and wearing a condom will easily prevent STDs. And morality? Well, that depends on your own personal beliefs and not everyone shares the same ones. "

to Parents Are To Blame.. wrote on Oct 24, 2007 12:23 PM:

" Yeah, my parents should have homeschooled me. I could have grown up an upstanding moral Christian like Ted Haggardy or Larry Craig and avoided all of the moral depravity of my great job, my faithful marriage, and wonderful children. "

To: Welcome to Life wrote on Oct 24, 2007 8:02 AM:

" You should be saying welcome to death....spiritual and physical death that is. Abstinence is the only cure for abortion, STD's and immoral behavior. "

Parents Are To Blame.. wrote on Oct 23, 2007 8:45 PM:

" ..for handing their helpless offspring over, to be destroyed, slowly, one day at a time, 40+ hours a week, over the course of 12+ years. Then to be held accountable when the dastardly deed is done. With hardly an utterence of protest. At the eternal cost of your very own flesh and blood..Guinee Pigs, unaware of the fact that they are now little more than.. "

L wrote on Oct 23, 2007 7:07 PM:

" If the girls have already started their cycle, then it should not hurt them physically to give them the pill. Especially if they are given the cyclic pill that lowers and heightens the hormone to emulate naturally occuring levels in the body. But, I do agree that I was definitely not thinking of birth control when I was 11. I am pretty sure that I hated every boy in my class at that point in time. "

B'ton Resident wrote on Oct 23, 2007 3:56 PM:

" To: "This is just sick " regarding your comment: " but if it's needed, so be it. ". THAT is exactly why this is happening. I say no more. "

Unprotected wrote on Oct 23, 2007 2:03 PM:

" I was a freshman in high school my first time. And that event was the result of a couple of years of failed attempts. Wise up. Just because you WISH they were not thinking this way does not mean they are not. "

YadaYada wrote on Oct 23, 2007 1:54 PM:

" "Tom", you should counsel your 12 y/o son; condoms offer quite a bit of protection against the spread of disease that so many 10 year old girls carry these days. So, it is still wise for him to wear one. Your kid, like so many kids are difficult to fit, so he should be fit by a professional......for free down at the school.......and continue to use the condoms. It really grates on me knowing that the teachers of my grade school daughter refuse to give her a drink before having sex and a smoke afterwards. But, I do understand that second hand smoke may be harmful to the other kids in the classroom who are watching. "

my 2 cents wrote on Oct 23, 2007 1:18 PM:

" To quote "Declining Society" :"I'm personally thankful that I'm allowed to make my own decisons without having to face a great deal of consequences" If that isn't the liberal dictionary's definition for not taking responsibility for your own actions, I don't know what is! Just because sex among kids is "something that will always be with us" is no reason to to side step your responsibility as a parent to teach, guide and persuade your children to not engage in something so potentially harmful to themselves and society as a whole. It is that kind of "educated thinking" that will forever contribute to the far left's ideology that curing the symptom and not the cause is the answer to everything. With no moral compass, it's easy to stick your head in the sand. You have solved nothing, merely rationalized what you consider to be inevitable behavior. I have been told for years now that unwanted pregnancy was solved by abortion - no? Apparently that hasn't worked; let's try something else! Where and when does it end? "

Hey wrote on Oct 23, 2007 12:55 PM:

" Hey parents, believe this. It is happening. God, I was in middle school SEVENTEEN YEARS AGO and you wouldn't believe what girls I knew where doing then. Kids get older a lot quicker...it's partly parenting, but a lot of it is just society. What can you do when your children want to emulate Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears and the like...our entertainment media has a lot to be blamed for as well. "

i agree wrote on Oct 23, 2007 8:47 AM:

" with the fact that this is because of None parenting! I truely believe that has everything to do with why kids are the way they are today and its only getting worse!! Bottom line is, dcfs and many other agenies have way too much control over how we dicipline children these days. and yet are nowhere around when i child who is being abused needs them. i see kids all the time making their parents look like fools in public, growing up with no respect of elders or themselves! Somewhere there needs to be a line drawn so that we as parents can do our jobs with out our kids being able to have us arrested for taking their toys OR spanking their butts when they need it, a good whooping on the butt with an open hand never killed anyone. and would correct the downward spirl this country has begun! DISIPLINEING YOUR CHILDREN SHOULD NOT BE A CRIME!!! "

tom wrote on Oct 23, 2007 5:57 AM:

" thank goodness, it has been difficult for my 12 year old son finding the proper fit condom, now with the pill available life will be so much easier. Just wait to see who is visiting the nurse evey morning for her daily dose, turn on the charm and no condom needed. cool. "

to shame wrote on Oct 22, 2007 1:27 PM:

" So another 11 year old should go to jail? How it the Democrats' fault that kids have lousy parents who don't teach them self control? Oh, because the kids don't pray... yeah, that's gotta be it! "

shame wrote on Oct 22, 2007 1:16 PM:

" If an 11 year old gets pregnant, Who ever had sex with the 11 year old should go to JAIL.. So should the parents of these kids............. ALL of this is the democrats fault ...ALL of it ........................ "

mickwd1 wrote on Oct 21, 2007 7:40 PM:

" Have we lost our minds in this country? "

Well... wrote on Oct 21, 2007 3:02 PM:

" I was 15 years old, and I had sex and got pregnant the first time. I had a great family life and was loved and well cared for. The fact that medications and hormones and such cause cancer is not a surprize. I think all parents should have to take a sex ed class WITH their children before entering 6th grade... Parents, make sure there is adult supervision. It really isn't that difficult to talk to another childs mother or father and check up on the kids. If my parents had done that with me, I would have been angry but I would not have had a child so young. Things worked out well for me and I love my daughter but I am building a CLOSE relationship with her, she will not feel embarassed to come to me for things like this and hopefully the same thing will not happen to her. "

To Parents wrote on Oct 20, 2007 10:38 PM:

" To everyone saying it's the parents fault think about all the times you lied to your parents. It's not like the kids are having sex in front of their parents and the parents aren't doing anything. The kids can say they're going one place, go another and have sex, not hard. Also the people saying 20 years ago you didn't need it one: you guys were in the 80's I'm sure your parents had a culture shock as well with what you were listening to. two: IN the middle ages kids were getting married at this age so don't think the past makes something better... Just raise your kids to the best of your ability and hope your kid makes the correct decision. Also, Portland Maine is a "ghetto" area.. "

to Josh wrote on Oct 20, 2007 7:52 PM:

" What do you suggest? Chasity belts? Circumcision to keep down the urges? "

to Home Schooling On the Rise wrote on Oct 20, 2007 7:49 PM:

" Not really. Liberals realize that fundies have their head in the sand and would rather live in the dark ages. Homeschooling to acheive those aims is not a huge step. "

To Home school on the rise: wrote on Oct 19, 2007 9:57 PM:

" Do you think that just b/c a kid is home schooled that they won't have sex or get pregnant? If kids want to have sex they are going to have it. They probably still hang out with the same group of kids being home schooled as they did going to public or private school. Maybe parents need to step it up and be parents and know what there child is doing on the weekends and after school. Kids these days get a way with a lot more crap then I ever did when i was in high school. I sure as heck wasn't having sex at 14. I wasn't even allowed to go out with boys by myself until I was 17 and then my parents had to know him very well. "

JD: To JD wrote on Oct 19, 2007 5:53 PM:

" Then why is sex education being taught in schools, and not in home? Why are some parents demanding a moment of silence from the schools? Why is it schools get sued for removing kids who cause disruptions for other kids? Face it, parents are constantly trying to hold the schools responsible. How long do you think it would be, before some girl gets pregnant for having sex in a car in the parking lot during a sports game, and the parents sue the school for 'letting it happen'? Many parents today think it is everyone else's responsibility for their kids actions. Well, the schools are taking that responsibility, and not parents are whining. "

Josh wrote on Oct 19, 2007 3:27 PM:

" Worst decision possible. Even worse than the decision they made to distribute condoms in school. "

BN Democrat wrote on Oct 19, 2007 3:25 PM:

" I think this is an idea whose time has come. We should expand this program to the Federal level. "

Home Schooling On the Rise wrote on Oct 19, 2007 12:58 PM:

" And liberals wonder why homeschooling is on the rise in America? "

To:JD wrote on Oct 19, 2007 12:43 PM:

" You still here? And still do not know what it takes to be a Parent. Most Parents want to raise thier children as they see fit. Not have some socisl expirment at the school telling them how to do it. Parents learn from life, not out of some text book. "

Native wrote on Oct 19, 2007 12:39 PM:

" I am aware of how statutory rape works. I also belive that if you think you are old enough to do it, then you are old enough to accept responsibility for the result. Age makes no difference. If little jerome gets little sally pregnaut then they are both going to pay for that child for a long time. If they have no "income" so sad but both sets of Grandparents are going to pay. "

to Carson wrote on Oct 19, 2007 12:32 PM:

" The thing with illegal immigration is that it is cheap. Even if abortion and birth control never happened and there were 50 million more American citizens today, there'd still be illegal immigration and we'd have 50 million more Americans to employ. "

Big Brother wrote on Oct 19, 2007 11:36 AM:

" My objection is not in the passing out of contraceptives but to the failure to inform parents of the action. Parents have a right to know what the health Department or Planned parenthood is giving thier minor children. The shroud of secrecy and facade of privacy keep parents out of the loop. Parents have a right to know what medications or prescriptions are being given to their children. "

TO:to wake up people wrote on Oct 19, 2007 9:10 AM:

" obivously YOU don't have a internal moral compass "

to native. wrote on Oct 19, 2007 8:27 AM:

" you can't charge someone with statutory rape unless they are over 18 yrs of age. these kids are most likely with other kids. "

Carson wrote on Oct 19, 2007 7:28 AM:

" Back in the 60’s the Federal Government came into the public schools and brainwashed us as little children with the message that the children we were about to have were unwanted because the population was rising so fast. They launched a program called, “Zero Population Growth”. They pushed Family Planning and birth control pills. Now they call the same programs, "Safe Sex" but the results are the same. I think you and I both know that you only have to trick people for their few child bearing years and there is no going back. Many of us never had a say in the future of our unborn. Now the Revolutionaries in the government are bringing in illegal labor for the criminals in business and we see no end to the numbers or to the lawlessness. Maybe there is more to life than economics. "

Welcome to life!! wrote on Oct 19, 2007 6:58 AM:

" You people who are against this need to open your eyes and realize that sex is happening EVERY WHERE, and all the school's doing is trying to lower the statistics of teenage pregnacies, and all you wanna do is complain about it. And for all the people complaining about the pill dramatically affecting the girls hormones, thats ridiculous, ya it will affect her hormones, but only for the better!! Not to mention studies proves that the pill reduces the risks of some forms of cancer. I used to have really bad mood-swings, and i would flip out on my parents, before i was on the pill, now since i've been on it, i havent had and bad mood'swings like that. so you people just need to open your eyes, and know its gonna happen. Would you rather your daughter be on the pill, or have her come home and tell you that shes pregnant?? WELCOME TO LIFE!! "

HELLO!!! wrote on Oct 19, 2007 6:19 AM:

" Did anyone not read my post??? Our health departments in Illinois do this NOW!!!! Local health departments like Livingston and McLean county, etc. So all you people need to get off your soap boxes!!! For all you know your child might already be on the pill!!! I for one if your child came to me and talked to me about this i would 1. Encourage her to talk to her parents. 2. If she couldn't I would personally give her a ride to the health department for pills!!! I would rather see anybodys child protecting themselfs than having a baby at a young age. Atleast these children are smart enough to protect themself if they are gonna have sex. They are gonna have sex weather you want them to or not. If your child came to you, you are probably the parents that would tell them no and turn the other cheek and be SUPRISED when they come home pregnant!! YOUR CHILD CAN GET FREE BIRTH CONTROL RIGHT HERE IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS!!!! "

JD wrote on Oct 19, 2007 5:36 AM:

" The schools have to take responsibility because either the parents won't, or the parents expect the schools to do it. It is like sex education being taught in schools, when it should be taught at home but wasn't. Parents expect schools to be more than just education facilities. Parents expect schools to be babysitters, accepting responsibility not just for fundamental education but for social education, and to basically assist in the raising of the kids. Well, the schools are doing just that with programs like this. If parents do not like it, then perhaps parents should start raising their kids, and not expecting the schools to do it for them. "

??? wrote on Oct 18, 2007 10:02 PM:

" re:Dawn...Uh how about we as society hate you for no reason. Your need for wedlock to procreate is tantamount to ignorance of a disproportionate degree. Perhaps the institutionalized idea of wedlock is more important to you than say, respect for everyone. I would imagine by your comments your one of those loonie bible thumpers who needs to impose your view on others. "

to wake up people wrote on Oct 18, 2007 9:59 PM:

" My kids don't need your god to behave themselves. Religion is for people with no internal moral compass. "

things HAVE changed wrote on Oct 18, 2007 8:55 PM:

" There was a girl that was a senior and VERY 8 months pregnant ,,,was popular had everything going for her and was on the homecoming court....everyone thought she surely wouldn't walk across that floor but she did....to me it was like wow...if so and so can do that so can I! When I was in high school in the late 70's that wouldn't have been tolerated. There is so much sex on tv its no wonder we have all the pregnancies...plus it also doesn't help that these young girls get all the government help because they are unmarried with a child(ren) I have a daughter that is so mad that a girl her age lives better than she does(and she still lives at home) has a child and flits from job to job while mine is working the same job and still can't afford to live on her own. "

JULIE wrote on Oct 18, 2007 7:44 PM:

" My 13yo daughter who has a terrible weakness for basketball players is all for this program. I would like to see it come to the twin cities. "

Heartbreaking wrote on Oct 18, 2007 5:52 PM:

" I have a 3-year old little girl and it breaks my heart to think of someone handing her the pill at 11!!! I agree that this is a societal problem and lack of responsible parenting is largely to blame, but there are other things to consider too. Have you been shopping for little girl clothes lately? Starting at 3T you can find "sexy" clothes. Who puts their 3-year old in sexy clothes?! Why would manufacturers make them?! Then there's the TV that's constantly on in most households. Children learn sex and violence from birth just about. We don't even turn the TV on until after our daughter is in bed. I want to keep her innocence for at least awhile longer............ Sex is pushed everywhere in our society. What else would kids think of doing? "

lack of education wrote on Oct 18, 2007 5:50 PM:

" I am concerned that both supporters and the nay-sayers can't read or see that birth control at a young age is not good for a young girls hormones or reproductive system? Why won't anyone acknowledge this? Condoms would be better. "

;-0 wrote on Oct 18, 2007 5:48 PM:

" Ahhh nothing like preemptive abortion. I have an idea for all of you posting; how about you mind your own business. It is not your body; it is the little girls who does not want to have a baby, but wants sex. Which is worse in the long run if they are going to have sex anyways; a baby, or eating a pill? "

Dawn wrote on Oct 18, 2007 4:32 PM:

" Perhaps we as a society should be less accepting and supportive of the people who have children born out of wedlock. I not saying that we should condemn them, but we could at least remind them that what they have done is wrong. It seems like there should be a way to celebrate the birth without condoning the action. "

to Danger wrote on Oct 18, 2007 4:06 PM:

" man you are all over the place. Stop take a deep breath and decide what you are trying to say here. How about parents take responsibility? "

I say... wrote on Oct 18, 2007 4:01 PM:

" if it feels right do it. That's my motto... that and everybody wang chung tonight. "

Hey Danger! wrote on Oct 18, 2007 4:00 PM:

" In case you didn't know- more contraception means less abortions. Do you know what you just said? Obviously there's a problem and PP was not mentioned once in this article. Get off the soap box. "

wake up people wrote on Oct 18, 2007 3:49 PM:

" this all came about when they locked "GOD" out of school end of story! "

Declining Society!? wrote on Oct 18, 2007 3:49 PM:

" So, perhaps I'm just too naive or young to think that our society is going downhill, but I think this whole discussion is great, and fabulous that the school did this. Yes, it's sad to see, I was in my 20's before I first had sex, but that was my choice and the choice of the woman I was with. I would almost guarantee that there were nearly just as many girls and young women getting pregnant, but it was such a taboo that they weren't offered any help or options from their parents, friends, families, or communities. I think it's great that a community is making sure that the girls aren't going to be outcast because of their own decisions. I'm personally thankful that I'm allowed to make my own decisions without having to face a great deal of consequences. But that's just my thoughts, what do I know...After all I don't agree with the conservative, close-minded population of Bloomington-Normal anymore now that I'm educated. And I only say that because I once was that way too, and it saddens me to see it in others now. "

Gabriel wrote on Oct 18, 2007 3:44 PM:

" " Giving out condoms and contraceptive does not cost alot of money, and benefits all those involved." - JD What? this benefits no one. It does not benefit the young girls for several reasons. 1. taking the pill can be very hard on a woman's body, it is not a medication that can just be handed out without any thought to recipient. 2. it must be taken every day, at the same time to be effective and to minimize the nausea that usually accompanies the pill. An 11 year old cannot keep up this time of regiment on her own; making it an ineffective method of birth control. It does not benefit the school that now must be liable for any ill effects. It does benefit the supplier of the drugs... "

BILLY BOB wrote on Oct 18, 2007 3:36 PM:

" The thought occurs to me that if the school health department included the parent in advising any student on health issues it would no longer be an issue. Notification of parents when a child seeks or needs health care services should be a required element. Parents may then seek professional help for their children instead of relying on the advice of uninterested or well meaning parties. An 11 to 13 year old is ill-equiped mentally or emotionally to deal with adult health care decisions. Therefore the rights of the child and the rights of the parents are violated when notification is not given. If a child is issued prescription medicine how do you ensure the dosage and regiment is followed. I can see a litigation in the making the first time a student passes their birth control pills to a friend. After all that is what 11 to 13 year olds do. They share with their friends. Does your 11-13 year old have something that belongs to her best friend? A blouse? A sweater, her prescription meds? "

to To: consider this wrote on Oct 18, 2007 3:13 PM:

" In many European countries, the evil socialist pay parents to stay home with their kids. They get a monthly stipend per child. You're right. That would never fly here because the instant it was proposed, the compasionate conservatives would shoot it down. Kind of like when Hillary floated the idea of a $5000 savings bond that wouldn't be accessable until the child is 18. "

To: JD wrote on Oct 18, 2007 3:13 PM:

" Maybe someday when you become a Mother you will understand what is being talked about here. "

To: JD wrote on Oct 18, 2007 3:11 PM:

" The problem is not the cost in money! It is the cost to society as a whole. You want Parents to take resposibility at the same time you want schools to take that resposibilty away from the parents. You can not have it both ways! Why don't you leave this to parents with real children. They know more about what they want for thier children then you do. "

Great Idea wrote on Oct 18, 2007 3:08 PM:

" I think that passing out condoms to middle school students and even teaching sex education (I'm not talking about the video on puberty here) in the fifth, possibly fourth, grade would be very beneficial to all middle school students. First of all, students are maturing physically a lot younger nowadays. The urges that go with the hormones are going to be there but the education isn't there. Secondly, most studies show that students have had alcohol by the time they get to high school. Alcohol lowers inhibitions which makes sex more likely. To go along with those studies, students report having some kind of sexual activity by the time they reach H.S. Health isn't taught until ninth grade, therefore kids are figuring this stuff out on their own. Oh and yeah, the abstinence based education standards aren't working obviously. If you're catholic, I believe your student should have a choice to opt out then, otherwise, it's information I believe students need to have. "

Danger wrote on Oct 18, 2007 3:01 PM:

" I wonder if the schools would be willing to give the kids alcohol and keys to the school buses? Same thing. Keeps Planned Parenthood busy - contraceptives, then abortion. Parents must be notified and give permission for kids to have aspirin, but not contraceptives, and not abortion. Talk about a secret agenda. Get rid of the NEA! "

JD wrote on Oct 18, 2007 2:35 PM:

" Giving out condoms and contraceptive does not cost alot of money, and benefits all those involved. The social programs I am against are the ones costing millions of dollars, expand bureaucracy (thus adding even more to the costs), affects limited people, are prone to abuse, and in the end help very few people. Welfare is the perfect example. While a few use it as it was intended, the majority think it is a job, they are entitled to it, and make no attempt to better themselves. Instead they prefer to just leech from society. Being against socialism does not mean one is against common sense social programs. "

To: JD wrote on Oct 18, 2007 2:12 PM:

" You are confused. On a different post, you complain about all of the SOCIAL programs the schools are involved with. If this isn't a social program, then what is? "

To: consider this wrote on Oct 18, 2007 2:11 PM:

" Are you nut's? Giving 11 yr olds a choice for birth control is condoning it. If sex at 11 is prevelent then we are in big trouble. It boils down to parents that have to both work to make ends meet. Parents unable to be there for the kids to help and supervise. Maybe we need to get rid of the expensive cars, houses, and keep a parent at home. How about having the government pay a parent to stay home. it would cut down on our oil use and solve a lot of over crowding problems on the highways. But it would never happen. "

Hello and Help wrote on Oct 18, 2007 2:09 PM:

" I have a 17 year old girl, a 12 year old boy, and a four year old girl. My husband and I can't imagine how our response would be if one of them came home and told us that we would be grandparents. They know we value abstinence and purity, we don't want or admire STD collections, and we certainly would like to finish raising our own kids before starting on someone else's. However, as I know it to be true, sex is a temptation that was around in the 50, 60, 70's and into today. Train them correctly you say, do you hold their hand? I would rather them be contraceptively prepared than to give in to temptation and allow fate to deal them an awful hand. Yes, I am Christian, and I retain the ability to use common sense. "

JDL wrote on Oct 18, 2007 2:03 PM:

" Since schools across the country are banning the pledge of allegiance first thing in the morning, they can anounce that it is time to take your "pill". Next thing you know they will set aside an hour after lunch for sex time. I think it is in Michigan where a school is setting aside 50 min after lunch for Muslims to pray in their own special room. Schools and Colleges are banning anything Christian but they can allow Muslims to pray in school and install showers for their feet. "

To: JD wrote on Oct 18, 2007 2:01 PM:

" When did you get back in town? I thought you were still out in California. "

To:jd wrote on Oct 18, 2007 1:59 PM:

" You do not have any chilren do you? "

to:JD wrote on Oct 18, 2007 1:52 PM:

" I am all for safe sex education and distributing condoms. The one thing I am dissapointed people are not looking at... and I fault their ignorant hatred blinding them towards anything open minded... is the fact that putting young girls on a drug that can drastically affect their hormones is a little questionable regardless of what you are trying to prevent. There are some studies out that show putting younger girls on a pill can impeded development of their female organs and functions in some cases. "

consider this wrote on Oct 18, 2007 1:48 PM:

" if kids are considering having sex, let's be responsible and let them have the choice of using birth control. it's a choice. wouldn't you rather them choose to use birth control than to have to choose what to do about an unwanted pregnancy. these issues need to be talked about at home however there needs to be other outlets available as well. teenage sex is common. we must educate and support these kids so they have the abilities to make sound choices. "

When I was a kid... wrote on Oct 18, 2007 1:21 PM:

" ... they didn't have all these fancy methods like pulling out. "

JD wrote on Oct 18, 2007 1:11 PM:

" If parents would allow schools to just teach scholastic courses, then it would be all good. But parents continue to put more and more responsibility on the schools to not just educate their kids, but to raise them also. I say kudos to the school. If the parents will not take responsibility to teach their kids about sex and contraception, then more power to the schools to do this. To those that do not like it, I say you are welcome to homeschool your brats, and keep them as deep in the closet as you like. It will make things easier for the functional kids when your dysfunctional one is living at home at the age of 40. "

NOT THE SCHOOL wrote on Oct 18, 2007 1:04 PM:

" it's not the school job to be my kids' doctor..their job is to educate. "

to TO : Typical BN Resident wrote on Oct 18, 2007 1:00 PM:

" If my daugher came how with birth control from the school, it means that she and I have some serious trust issues. I wouldn't be angry with her or the school. I'd be disappointed in myself and my parenting abilities. When my kids get to be that age, I want them to be able to come to me with those kinds of questions... because god knows what the fundies will have them teaching in schools. "

to another 10, 15 ...20 years wrote on Oct 18, 2007 12:59 PM:

" In 1973, when a girl got pregnant outside of marriage, she went to "live with her aunt" for a year. When she came back, she had a new baby brother or sister. "

to Native wrote on Oct 18, 2007 12:58 PM:

" Er, statuatory rape applies only if the one of the parties is 18 or older. If your 11 year old was knocked up by a 12 year old, there's nothing the legal system will do for you. Oh and good luck keeping public health out of a public school. It isn't going to happen. "

to Why? wrote on Oct 18, 2007 12:56 PM:

" Nah. People who choose to homeschool would homeschool anyway because teaching things like science goes against their religion. "

leeroy wrote on Oct 18, 2007 12:51 PM:

" vengense is mind said the lord and the young shall inherit the earth "

ya so um wrote on Oct 18, 2007 12:45 PM:

" i think i might head north. i'm starting to really flip out over EVERYTHING. The fact that we have no good republicans to choose from for president. clinton and obama ..those are my choices. Kids in this town are out of their minds..the bums are peeing on the tree in my park.....the young adults are cussing while they make my sandwhich at subway....i see a white boy with his car seat down to the floor, flat bill hat to the side, pumping 2PAC over his cracked speakers...i see people that don't support the TROOPS and now birth control pills to little sally who isn't even 12 yrs old from HER MIDDLE SCHOOL. yes, i am heading to Canada, not the French side though. the US is going to sh*** "

TO NATIVE wrote on Oct 18, 2007 12:38 PM:

" YOU WRAPPED IT UP!! I TOTALLY AGREE..boy, they wouldn't know what hit them if my daughter were going to school there. hahahahahaha "

another 10, 15 ...20 years wrote on Oct 18, 2007 12:32 PM:

" In 1974, when i was 13, i never had to deal with this. I wonder what changed........I'm sure the parents we refer to on this post don't even read the newspaper..why would they. They have no concern for their own children, why would they read the newspaper? They're in their own world. Way to keep America's generations on the straight and narrow. GOOD JOB! "

wow wrote on Oct 18, 2007 12:29 PM:

" an 11 year old girl, taking the pill. Same time, every day. Will the PARENT(s) remind her to do so, because I find it hard to believe that little Juanita is mentally mature to the point that she understands the full circumstances of a birth control pill. Maybe you can set it next to her ceral bowl in the morning, BEFORE SCHOOL "

TO : Typical BN Resident wrote on Oct 18, 2007 12:26 PM:

" you're not too bright there sunshine. WE aren't denying the fact that some KIDS engage in this stuff, rather saying that a school shouldn't offer exams and pills!!!! PARENTS need to step up to the plate. Imagine your 12 yr old coming home with a month supply of ortho tri cyclyn, and having to take it everymorning. would you remind her to do so, because the little girl surely won't remember on her own. You can have her take it right after she takes her FLINSTONE VITAMIN. "

PARENTS BE PARENTS wrote on Oct 18, 2007 12:22 PM:

" think back, how did your parents raise you? If you are sitting there, thinking, not too good, AND IF YOU'RE A PARENT, BREAK THE CYCLE. Please, if you're gonna have a kid, the least you can do is disicpline them. There's a 13 yr old neighbor boy, he stands out front of our apt and talks on his cell phone. My husband and I just look at each other and shake our heads. He uses curse words like they're english language. WHERE'S HIS MOM?!?! TRASH! PARENTS, GROW UP AND TAKE OWNERSHIP of your kids. be responsible. "

Native wrote on Oct 18, 2007 12:18 PM:

" If my 11 year old suffered from this "pregnacy outbreak" sombody would pay! Have you ever heard of Statutory Rape? And if the school gave my daughter the "pill" we would need new school adminstrators. And I and my daughter would retire from the settlement. It is not the schools place to pass out birth control. The school is supposed to EDUCATE, maybe they need to try that. "

Rasheedah Gillespie-Muhammad wrote on Oct 18, 2007 11:59 AM:

" There are several issues here that will cause both short-term and long-term disadvantages for the children, families, communities and ultimately our society. The pills being given have side effects some we know about along with those that have not been presented to the public. This action creates sexual behavior without responsibility to each other. It will also teach sexual activity to those children that may not be thinking about participating. "

Alphonse wrote on Oct 18, 2007 11:46 AM:

" A lot of you are right that this is indicative of a larger societal problem, and a few pills and condoms won't change that. But if it helps in the short-term with preventing pre-teen pregnancy, than that's a good thing. I just hope we can come up with some good, long-term and larger scale approaches before long that have a positive effect. "

believable! wrote on Oct 18, 2007 11:44 AM:

" Wasn't long ago that Clinton (city) was in the news for having the highest pregnancy rate among teenage girls for a city of its size in the state of Illinois and its still happening. Parents are too lax with their kids...I've seen it...they expect them to make good judgements on their own instead of guidance from them. "

to anyone else??? wrote on Oct 18, 2007 11:22 AM:

" You are ABSOULTELY correct. LAX in parenting is the problem. All this new age "discipline" is the problem. If corporal punishment was still allowed in the school systems there would be no problem w/ disrespectful generation parents are raising right now. Nothing wrong w/ kids being SCARED of disappointing their parents...that rarely happens now. Who cares of they get in trouble...mom and dad won't do anything anyway...if you get lax in disipline...the rest of it goes down the drain. They know their parents don't care where they are or what they are doing. Soon we will have a generation of parents raising their children's children. "

doctor in the house? wrote on Oct 18, 2007 11:18 AM:

" "After an outbreak of pregnancies"??? Sounds like a virus. Someone call the doctor! "

I guess most ppl don't wrote on Oct 18, 2007 11:18 AM:

" know that our health departments already offer this service for these young girls! Your child can go to the county health department and get birth control pills WITHOUT your consent! Atleast here a parents will know that if they sign the form it is likely that they are getting the pill! I would rather be safe than sorry with my child! I've been there! I didn't have the "sex talks" at home with my mother and I got pregnant at the age of 15! I feel that if my mom had talked to me and explained this stuff I wouldn't of gotten pregnant! The only thing my mom ever told me was sex is bad don't do it. I have learned from my past mistakes and my Husband and I started having the "talk" with our child starting when they were little, starting with the good/bad touch. My children will be informed! Atleast these girls have somewhere they can go! "

Chicken Bone wrote on Oct 18, 2007 11:07 AM:

" I love it! The first sentance says "After an outbreak of pregnancies among middle school girls..." They make it sound like the mumps. This ain't some disease being passed around by not washing your hands, or from coughing on people. At 11-13 years old, the girls should be thinking about how to avoid boys who want to put frogs down their backs instead of putting something someplace else. "

TODAY wrote on Oct 18, 2007 10:59 AM:

" i just sit back and watch this place go down in flames. it's amazing, absolutely amazing. i do my part, i'm a good person, good worker..i'm going to be a good parent. but when i look around, and see things like this..or hear the way kids talk or how they act....even young adults..i just sit back now and watch. it's just amazing. "

Why? wrote on Oct 18, 2007 10:56 AM:

" It's no wonder so many families are choosing to homeschool these days... "

Typical BN Resident wrote on Oct 18, 2007 10:49 AM:

" This is awful. I'd rather stick my head in the sand, pretend that no one has sex outside of marriage, and then act really surprised when a teenager goes for an abortion. "

Not that big a deal wrote on Oct 18, 2007 10:42 AM:

" Our culture is not in crisis. Kids are going to have sex whether or not there is contraceptive methods provided to them. You can't stop it. We should just teach them the pulling out method instead. "

Our culture... wrote on Oct 18, 2007 10:31 AM:

" ...is in absolute crisis. No question about it. "

This is just sick, wrote on Oct 18, 2007 10:03 AM:

" but if it's needed, so be it. "

anyone else??? wrote on Oct 18, 2007 9:43 AM:

" does anyone else just shake their heads? What has changed from the time I was 12 until now. WHAT HAS CHANGED? ......................from when you were a kid, what do you think has been the major contributing factor to our society's decline? Keeping a higher standard of parenting. That is the only thing I can think of. No way would I have ever heard about this even 10 yrs ago. "

to:bon in BN wrote on Oct 18, 2007 9:41 AM:

" don't worry there was plenty of horrible things happening in the 50's, 60',s and the 70's. "

confused wrote on Oct 18, 2007 9:40 AM:

" It's always been my understanding, as a woman, that in order to recieve a prescription for birth control (pills or otherwise) you had to recieve your annual check up to ensure everything else is ok with your body. If they're having sex and needing BC then they need full treatment, to make sure they don't have STDs or anything else. "

NO WAY wrote on Oct 18, 2007 9:34 AM:

" I'm 25 and we didn't have condoms being given out or the pill...and we got thorugh okay. what has changed since I was a 6th grader? PARENTING!!! supervision..CARING ABOUT YOUR CHILDREN. that's what's changed. i think this is so ridiculous, to bring this into a school. they are so young! Yes, sex might take place with kids....but giving the pill at school is not going to take care of the problem. You think an 11 yr old girl is going to take that thing every morning? NO WAY! obviously, they aren't that responsible at that age. I SAY THAT A PARENT NEEDS TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE, NOT THE SCHOOL. WAY TO GO TAX PAYERS MONEY "

bon in BN wrote on Oct 18, 2007 9:32 AM:

" so they have been dispensing free condoms since 2000? obviously hasn't worked. now, they're gonna give out the pill? SO I'M WONDERING, who's going to keep these girls charts and give them their yearlys?? because, from what i understand....when you're on the pill, you need to come in for an exam once a year. SO ARE THEY GOING TO PROVIDE THE EXAMS AS WELL?? where?? how will the girls get there? 11 yrs old...jeeesuz what the heck is wrong with our society. i wish parents or a parent or SOME LEGAL gardian would step up to the plate. you didn't hear of this kinda thing happneing in in the 50's, 60',s or the 70's. I know times have changed, but listen people, don't you think that if this is happenening NOW, what will it be like in another 20 yrs? i'm afraid to even think that far ahead. "

Condoms not Pills wrote on Oct 18, 2007 9:28 AM:

" I am all for distributing condoms. Messing with a young girls hormonal cycle at that age is a little drastic. "

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