I would like to thank Cape Henlopen School Board President Andy Lewis for voting against the change in board policy which now allows for the distribution of contraceptive devices to our school children without the ability for parents to opt out. This new policy sends the wrong message to our children. Independent studies have shown that free unlimited access to these devices increases the rate of problem pregnancies. Other studies have shown an increased risk of breast cancer for young teenage girls who are on the pill.
The American Cancer Society even advises on their own website that young women should not take the pill without first discussing the potential side effects with their doctor. Providing 14-year-old girls with access to these medications without any parent approval does not make sense. If providing an aspirin to our children requires parent approval, why not also for a medication that presents more of a health risk?
If Delaware state law prevents parents from opting out of these programs perhaps that law could be changed. Then parents would have the choice to either allow their kids to receive these medications or to opt out.
Again, thanks to Andy Lewis for voting against this change in policy.
James Stack
Lewes
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