53.18%	Yes
45.11%	No

Comment: Yes, too many teen pregnancies and children under 18 aren't mature enough to think about the consequences. from Portland / Maine by Brian

Comment: This state better back off its liberal agenda. It is easy to see we're headed in the wrong direction. When a left wing Pingree is our House leader it's a sign WE ARE IN TROUBLE! I see it coming. from augusta by Al

Comment: Yes from Turner by Laurie

Comment: Unfortunatley too many pregnancies could be avoided if parents would consent or provide birth control to their teens. I am not saying it is right but kids will be having sex with or with out our permission. Most teens feel pressured by their parents and can talk to other adults and ask the questions that they don't dare to at home. So as long as it is preventing unwanted children I think it would be positive overall. from Topsham by A

Comment: Parents should be involved and communicate with their children. If a parent is being a parent, they should be the one's having this discussion with their child, not the school. We have, over the years made the schools the ones responsible for raising our kids. It's time we took that responsibility back. The schools should teach and we as parents should parent. from Lewiston by Gary

Comment: This Should be a parents Decision, Not a child's or any other health care professional's. from Washington/ME by Aaron

Comment: How can we even be at a place where we're asking this question? Parents raise kids, not governments. When parents lose their freedoms, we're finished as a country. from Portland, ME by Ray

Comment: As a parent I feel that my child is not the schools or anyone elses responsibility for that matter. The schools need to but out! from south gardiner me by Camille

Comment: Most definately. As a parent of 2 teenage daughters, I would really upset if they were put on birth control without my knowledge from S. Berwick by Cathy

Comment: If /doctors/hospitals need permission to treat "children", why should they get prescription drugs from a school nurse? Schools should teach parents should parent. If a child wants birth control pills, condoms etc. let the school nurse counsel, encourage and maybe even speak to the parents for the child. from Portland by Lynn

Comment: I WOULD HOPE THAT MY GIRLS WOULD BE ABLE TO COME AND TALK TO ME HOWEVER IF NOT I AM REALLY IN HOPES THAT THEY WOULD ASK SOMEONE ELSE WHO COULD HELP THEM. from Gorham, ME by Beth

Comment: I can't imagine someone else making medical decisions about my daughter when she is underage. I encourage truth and conversation in our family. It is through that I hope that one day my daughter can commit to coming to my wife or I with any problem or thought she may have. from Gorham, Maine by S

Comment: Kids ...Whose parents allegedly are responsible for them are being denied their civil rights by the state,when they make life changing decisons for the parents.Law's already cover many o these situations. Prosecute them..... from limerick by karl

Comment: The only issue I have with this situation is that to many parents DO NOT discuss this issue with their children. Either they are to lazy,afraid or naive. BUt they have got to talk about sex and all implications of sex(disease,emotional issues and respect for themselves as well as pregnancy) with their kids. We are letting our kids down by thinking that "oh, it will be taught in school" No, you have got to start this discussion at home and start it early in an age appropriate manor. from North Berwick,Maine by Heidi

Comment: I can't believe this discussion has degraded to the point where we are accepting the premise that birth control should be provided, debating only whether consent is required or not. Schools should not be providing birth control to minors, period. Liberal policies cause much of the problems we are facing today. And somehow we are supposed to believe that an even more liberal solution will fix them. from South Portland by Jim

Comment: I think teens should have the option of birth control available to them with or without parental consent. My reasoning is from personal experience: my sister became pregnant at the age of sixteen almost twenty years ago. Although my nephew is a joy, my sister wasn't able to finish high school (she later got her GED) and they had to live off and on with either my mother or father (who were separated at the time and subsequently divorced). I was two years older than my sister, and determined I was going to take birth control whether or not my parents approved. My situation turned out different than my sisters, and I had my own son in my early thirties after I was married, and he was planned. from Gorham, ME by Paula

Comment: I don't think you should need parental consent because kids are having sex and many are not using any form of protection and the ones who are in many cases would not be if they needed a parents permission. My son attends Westbrook High and they have an astronomical teen pregnancy rate. The kids actually play a game picking out the pregnant girls. with this being said I agree parents should be talking to their kids about sex and sexual education needs to taught more in the public school system because it is evident that not only are parents not talking about it and neither are the schools. I think all middle and high schools should have the option of a public health nurse or a planned parenthood nurse to discuss options with kids. Lets face it they are having sex and they are going to continue to do so. We can only be honest with them and give them the tools to make the right decsions. We can't be with them 24 hours per day and if the tools are available to them when they make that choice maybe it will be the choice to have safe sex rather than risk disease and pregnancy. from Maine by Tracy

Comment: Absolutely! Why should someone else be able to make medical decisions for my child? What right does anyone else have to help my child feel that having sex at a young age is acceptable. Let's try parenting and not letting them have a free for all. I want my child to have self respect now and always. How much self respect are these kids going to have when they have been allowed to have sex at such a young age? I want my child to grow up and know who she is before she decides that sex is okay. We're talking about kids here, what do they know about love? Come on people! from Buxton by Carol

Comment: I think this is a double issue. Should parental consent be required for medication? Yes. Should it be required for condoms? No. The best form of birth control is knowledge. unfortunately many people in this country are anti-information when it comes to sex-ed. These people who claim that the school has no rights to talk about sex with their children are the same people who refuse to talk about it with their kids at home. Well, maybe some just tell their kids not to have sex... Like that will work! I'm all for sex-ed and free condoms in the schools. I don't have kids and yet 2/3rds of my property taxes go to fund schools and most of my state and federal taxes go to fund programs to support other people. I actually pay taxes to give poor people health insurance while I can't afford it myself! Teen pregnancy leads to a greater percentage of low income families and more people on government assistance. That leads to my taxes going up and paying to support these unplanned kids. I don't have kids, why should I have to pay for other people to have them? My property taxes alone would be enough to fund a basic sex ed class in my city for 3 to six weeks a year. It's not just about pregnancy. It's also about disease. These conservative parents never had to deal with the problems of todays youth. It used to be that if you caught something you just got a shot of antibiotics and you were cured. The diseases these days kill you, but not before you get the chance to spread it around to a lot more people! If it's a choice between giving out a few condoms and death... Come on, it's a no brainer! from South Portland, ME by Micah

Comment: When birth control is prescribed to a minor without parental consent by the school clinic or health care providers, the rights of the parent are greatly diminished. The focus should be about edcuating kids about sex. Obviously that needs to take place at home and at school. Leave it up to the parents! by T

Comment: I may be only 25 years old, but I know what kids are doing these days. If it was my daughter, I would hope that I raised her to come to me when she had a problem or wanted medical advise. Personally as a teen I was not comfortable going to my parents, but I was also responsible with sex. If my child was not comfortable coming to me, but they trusted another adult, then I really dont see the issue. Parents need to open their eyes and see that their children are going to experiment with sex with or without their permission. What child asks their parents, can I have sex? The parent is going to say no, I would hope. But parents come on, do you want your child safe or not? If you make it so they cannot come to you or get birth control somewhere else then you are going to have a teenage mom, and you will be one young grandparent. Forget about who gives it to your child and how hurt you are that your child didnt come to you and just be thankful that your child had the common sense to protect themselves and not become a teen parent and you can enjoy your retirement a little longer before you become a grandparent. This is almost 2009, Children know way too much about sex, but you cannot lock them up and keep them from doing things. Just make sure that they are protected!!! from portland by s

Comment: the schools should be teaching our children and not handing out birth control. that is the parents job. from west paris,me by karen

Comment: Our kids are our responsibility, and until they are 18, is is nobody else's business to make decisions for our kids, that only we should make. from Lewiston by Amy

Comment: i would like to think in most cases parents are open about this with there children enough for them to go to there parents. but either way it's not the governments place to decide. unless there on the welfare system becasue too many cases the cycle doesn't get broken. brenda from saco, maine by brenda

Comment: I can't believe we are even asking this question. Why would we want babies to have babies? Parents need to parent and the state needs to keep out of the family structure. from Waldoboro, ME by Jon

Comment: Most children are the parents' responsibility until they are 18 years old. Why should this be different? from SACO by Charlene

Comment: YES YES YES from Falmouth ME by Brian

Comment: As long as the parent is responsible for that child, it should be up to the parent. by J

Comment: I think the schools are trying to get people to conform to their ways, to what they think is right. A child is the parent's responsibility not the schools or anyone else for that matter, I believe that it is the parent's role to decide what is best for their child. from Gorham, ME by Sherry L

Comment: A school can't give a child an aspirin without my consent but they can pass out birth control. What happened to my right as a parent to choose for my child, not the state? from Sanford by Steve

Comment: I think kids are going to have sex regardless, so why not give them birth control and prevent an unwanted pregnancy? from Dresden, Maine by Jennifer

Comment: Yes I do do beleave parents should have the right to know.Not many teens these daysopen up to talk to parents unlike most us that did back when we was growing up.I feel like parents need to open up and talk to teens more these days as well. from Lewiston Maine by Terry

Comment: In my opinion if a teenager is intelligent enough to seek birth control then parents should be grateful that they are smart enough to use it as well as the use the resources available to them. Sometimes parents are not so easy or comfortable to talk to about sex. When it truely should be because parents lets face it our teenagers are going to have sex whether we condone it or not and we can't be with them 24/7. I certainly would love to see all teenagers use the safest birthcontrol of all, Abstinence. Except the reality of this is subject is teens will and are having sex and it really is a goodthing they are wise enough to seek birthcontrol. I for one am in support of it being available to them without parental consent. To the parents of the children that seek birth control hats of to you because the bottom line is your child may not be comfortable talking to you about sex but you have made them aware of sex and birth control. Teenagers remember onething, birth control does not always work the but the best birth control does and the best birthcontrol is NO SEX!!!!!!!!!!! from Oakland by Elise

Comment: If parents don't have to give consent isn't that treating the children like adults? So, lets sell them beer and smokes too. Its all about the same loaded gun. Parents need to be parents. Lets take some responsablility people! from Westbrook, Me by Matt

Comment: I absolutely agree that there should be parental consent before a child is prescribed birth control medications. There is not enough data to talk about long term effects of taking these medications. I would also wonder if these medications would be taken as directed. from Portland /Maine by John

Comment: Are schools going to be able to monitor the physical health of the girls when they are on the pill? There are girls who have life-threatening reactions to birth control pills. There is no way I would ever trust a school with the decision to have my daughter take any medication. Students can't even take asprin at school without parental permission - how can they say it would be ok to give them birth control!? from Poland by Melanie

Comment: As a parent I feel that I need to be aware of all medications and birth control methods being given to my child. There is a family history of complications with hormonal contraceptives and I would not want my daugther receiving potentially harmful medication without being a part of the discussion. Parents need to be part of the disussion around sex to preseve family culture and values. from Saco ME by Melissa

Comment: Wishful thinking is not going to stop kids from being stupid kids. I've know pleanty of "good kids" from "good families" that ended up parents too young. By allowing young girls to take precautions into their own hands, it adds an added level of teen pregnancy prevention where there was none before. Not allowing it because allowing young girls to get birth control without parental consent "promotes sexual activity" for teens is just naive. Stupid teen hormones promote teen sexual activity and all the sheltering and over-parenting in the world isn't going to help stop a fourteen year old girl from getting pregnant if she decides to have sex when her parents aren't looking. The pill might, and it's sure as heck better than nothing. from Lovell, Me by S

Comment: I think anyone 16 and over should not need parental consent, better to take the pill than have to get an abortion or ruin their life with an unexpected pregnancy. from Portland by Lynn

Comment: While in a perfect family world, parents and daughter would agree to provide birth control; however if a girl is sexually active, it is better for her to be given birth control-- without parental approval-- rather than have her trapped in an unwanted pregnancy. It is a case of being safe rather than sorry. from naples by wilma

Comment: Absolutley!! from Jay by Keith

Comment: Parents seem to be losing all control when it comes to the lives and education of their children. They are now more like landlords then parents, only allowed to provide room and board and nothing else. This needs to stop. from Augusta by Shannon

Comment: It's not a parents decision from Gorham, Maine by Graduate

Comment: Personally I think that restricting teens by forcing them to tell their parents is going to increase in unwanted pregnancy and also an increase in STD's from Lisbon by Josh

Comment: Do you REALLY know how many kids are having sex?? If you think kids aren't having sex you're extremely misinformed. from Gorham by Amanda

Comment: I think we should pass it. In a way it will give and show responsibilty on the girls part!! from Lewiston, Me by Robin

Comment: I think children should be encouraged to talk to their parents, but not mandated. Parents really should take the lead and anticipate the need for this discussion and not leave it to their kids to raise a sensitive topic...if parents are uncomfortable bringing it up, how can they expect their children to be frank in their discussions. We should not penalize the kids who are trying to be responsible for their own actions by putting up barriers to birth control. by Heidi

Comment: Absolutely. The pill is not a safe medication. Girls can get blood clots in their lungs and die. When a youngster shows up in the emergency room with critical symptoms, doctors need reliable information from the parents from Portland by Deb

Comment: I think some viewers aren't reading this question. The issue here isn't should parents be notified but if parental consent should be required. While I do feel that consent shouldn't be required I feel as strongly, if not more so, that parents do need to be made aware. I feel this way because any shot, or other thing put into a persons body, can have side effects, some life threatening, and without parents knowing they wouldn't be able to make the best decision should such an issue arise. from Portland, ME by James

Comment: We need to start being Parents first and NOT friends. As parents we have more of a right to know what our kids are on. What happens when our children have a medical problem and we make a decision without knowing what drugs they are on. If a child can't talk to their parents about going onto Birth Control or if they can't go into a store a buy Comdoms they are not ready to have sex. from Auburn by Greg

Comment: I would rather find pills then find out my child was going to have a child. Sometimes it's hard for kids to talk to the parents. I do think that there should be an age limit such as the chold should be at least 13 before they can have birth control. If they are having sex then they are already make "adult" choices. from Gray by Tammie

Comment: I understand that parents would want to know, but if they knew that their child wanted birth control, would they let them? Honestly it's highly unlikely. What parent wants their kids to have sex. We need to be realistic here. Middle school kids ARE HAVING SEX. The responsible thing to do is to educate them and provide birth control. If they needed parental consent, most would opt to not ask their parents and have unprotected sex. As parents and adults, would that be what we want? I don't think so! from Lisbon Falls by Melissa

Comment: I don't believe in any blanket law when it comes to personal matters. If they can control their sex organs they can control their reproductive rights. They are NOT parental property or subhuman. If they wish to inform their parents fine, if the don't want to, leave them alone. It's how you raise them. from Augusta by Ann

Comment: Thirty-five years ago I made the decision to go on birth control at the age of 15. If I had had to tell my parents I never would have. Now as a mother of 2 grown women, I think the law should stay the same. As long as the health care providers are counseling these young adults about safe sex is not just being on the pill. from Winthrop, Maine by Melody

Comment: I think that if not parental consent, the parents should at least be notified as to what their children are doing. I mean I'm a kid myself, but I can how my mom sees things. Parents have to know about these things. They're the people who tend to have to deal with us especially when things go wrong. from Topsham by Karen

Comment: Even though most the side effects of birth control are not major, we can't take any chances. If something happens to a child taking birth control, parents need to be able to tell emergancy service worker's i.e. EMT's and Doctors what medications are taken. Also side effects could be mood swings and parents need to be advised of anything that can change their child's mental state. from Bridgton, ME by Jeff

Comment: I find it interesting that parents don't seem to have time to get into their children's lives. They can't find the time to communicate with them. But, when an outside source enters and tries to do the responsible thing. Then the parents get all riled up. Parents see the schools as a sort of babysitter that watches over & takes care of their children while they're away from home. If parents would spend the time and get into their children's lives. Someone else wouldn't have to. from Biddeford, Maine by Chuck

Comment: I was an unwed mother and know how hard it is. When both of my Daughther became teenager, I told them I wished they would wait for marriage,I Knew how it was, so I showed them both where to go for Help. My girl told me when they when and if they needed money to pay I gave it to them. And would do the same for my Granddaugther. from Brunswick,Me by Mary (age 61)

Comment: How sad that so many parents don't talk to there children about sex. Maybe if they did we wouldn't have so many unwanted pregnancies and our young people wouldn't find it necessary to get the help they need at school. Until this happens I am glad they have this option. from Topsham, Maine by Susan

Comment: These kids are going to have sex wether we want them to or not.I think the parents should be the ones to make this decision not a shool nurse the parents should definatley be involved in this type of situation... from sanford by susan

Comment: I think that perents are loseing there right to rase there children.We should have the right to know what doing. from Buxton , Maine by Arthur

Comment: This is such a no brainer. The government fails to manage our money correctly...so lets allow them to drug our children and sneak behind the backs of parents. from Brunswick by Joe

Comment: 1 Unexpentant Pregnacys don't ALWAYS ruin a persons life. I know Plenty of people who have kids before they GRADUATED high school and went on to COLLEGE! I think whether parents like it or not Kids are Having Sex... Which would they rather handle.. Birth control or Helping raise a child ABORTION SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU.. IF YOU WERE STUPID ENOUGH TO MESS AROUND HAVE THE KID!!! from Lisbon Falls by Kim

Comment: No i dont think they should have too because i know when i was there age i didnt want to talk to my parents about having sex and i think kids are going to have sex one way or another and better them be protected then have a baby born to children them selfs and if they want to get birth control i think there doing the right thing from norway by Keileigh

Comment: Uhh, YES! No one wants to give my child any medication without my consent. That's MY child. You take care of yours, I'll take care of mine! from Augusta by Maine

Comment: Of course, If my child's school gave my child birth control without my say so I would drag that principal outside and have words. from Lewiston by Maine Father

Comment: Yes let parents be parents. The family courts now let children under age decide if they will see their non custodial parents or not. Usually that's us dads, all the court does care about is that we pay our child support. Start supporting our families and respect all parents. I hope all family courts aren't like mine in Lewiston Maine. Sad Father of Four from Lewiston / Maine by Mike

Comment: I have a 15 year old daughter that I tried hard to talk to about birth control but no matter how hard I talked she was still active without me knowing. She is now 30 weeks pregnant and will have her baby 2 months before she turns 16. No matter how much you talk, they need to be willing to admit to the parent they need it before the parent can do anything about it. If she had had someone to go to besides me she might not be in this situation. from Raymond, Maine by Bryanna

Comment: To require parental consent assumes that the majority of kids will tell their parents if required to. The reality is that you can't legislate a parent/child relationship that isn't there. IMO, requiring parental consent won't stop teen sex and will increase unprotected teen sex. from Winthrop, ME by M

Comment: If a young girl is smart enough to know she should be using some sort of protection because she is sexually active and feels she cannot communicate this with her parents, then she should be able to obtain birth control without issue. from Portland by Andrea

Comment: School bureaucrats should be required to INFORM parent prior to dispensing birth control, but CONSENT should not be required. The ugly reality is that birth control is less expensive than having the state subsidizing a young, unwed mother. So, the state has the RIGHT to impose birth control on parents (Unless the parents will consent to full, financial support of the newborn child---Ha, ha!---like that will ever happen.) from Auburn, Maine by Gigi

Comment: As a parent of a High School daughter, I am thankful for the open relationship her and I have. However many kids can't talk to their parents and should be able to have the right information and tools available to stay safe. I to am an involved parent, with that said their are many parents out there that either fear or ignorance keep them from talking to their kids and the kids need an outlet for assistance. I think it is just another way to control everything about your kids. Try to relate to them instead of patrolling them. It is amazing the great decisions our kids can make if given the proper tools and right information! from Cumberland County by S.

Comment: Teenagers don't need parental consent to have sex and they shouldn't need parental consent to protect themselves and prevent unwanted pregnancies. from Gorham, ME by Diane

Comment: I am a very involved mother of 3 daughters; 20, 16 and 12. It is important to me that my daughters feel empowered to make such an important decision about their lives. I want my girls to come to me, but if they are uncomfortable talking to me, I encourage them to seek a professional where I know they will receive solid facts. from Topsham, ME by Joy

Comment: Yes, and No. Parents should be aware but yet so many children are too ashamed to tell there parents and by not allowing birth control with out parental consent could help rise birth rates among children, something we REALLY don't need.

Comment: NO IF THEY WANT TODO THAT THENTHE STATE AND SCHOOLS SHOULD PAY FOR ALLTHEIR MEDICAL BILLS BECAUSE PARENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE TILL THEIR 18 FOR MEDICAL BILLS from SACO ME by NORMAND

Comment: Why is it that ther is no contoversy about boys getting birth control? They can go to any store to buy condoms without their parent's consent. With girls, every form of birth control that they have control over the use, is only avialable through a health care provider. Why do people look at it differently when it comes to girls? from Waterford, Maine by Brandi

Comment: would you? by kev

Comment: Absolutely not. Enforcing parental consent would only propel the number of teen pregnancies, abortions, and STD's. Not all teens feel comfortable discussing sex with their parents. I fear that many teens would rather run the risk of getting pregnant rather than seeking parental permission to obtain protection. It would be absolutely foolish to enforce this rule. Sex education was a regular part of my 8th grade curriculum--a one day a week/nine week long class taught by the school nurse and a health teacher. Both were professional and responsible in their approach, and, as a clueless teen, I was grateful for the education. Unfortunately, many parents are not doing their job when it comes to teaching the birds and the bees. Furthermore, many parents are simply naive when it comes to what their teens are doing. Please let our health teachers, school nurses, and other educational professionals pick up the slack! from Richmond, Maine by Jennifer

Comment: I understand parents concern regarding their children having access to birth control, however I honestly beleive that if most children had to get permission from their parents they wouldnt... its just wishful thinking on our part as parents that they wont have sex, they will just have sex without use of birthcontrol from Gray, Maine by Cathy

Comment: Parents need to teach their children that if they want to participate in adult activities , that there are adult consequences to go along with it. No medical treatment or prescription should be administered to a minor without the knowledge of the parent. from Brunswick by Donna

Comment: I do however believe that the childs healthcare provider should be notified, if not the one to initially give out the pill due to allergies and other issues with mixing medications for the childs safety. from New Harbor by Tracey

Comment: Too many kids having kids already, dropping out of school, going on welfare and staying on it for life. With sex all over TV and music and video games, "abstinence only" just doesn't work very well. Let's stay real about it. from Palermo by Russell

Comment: DO THEY HAVE PARENTAL CONSENT FOR SEX? BY ASKING FOR BIRTH CONTROL THEY'RE BEING SMART AND RESPONSIBLE, AND KEEPING THEIR PRIVACY, THEY'RE GOING TO GROW UP, NO MATTER WHAT, AND SOME PARENTS JUST NEED TO CUT THE CORD. from LISBON by KRISTI

Comment: Many of you think you should be the one to talk to your children about birth control. I agree with that. But, not all teens are able to come out and say they are having sex. Many are afraid of their parents reactions! Although the subject has been discussed at home. From experience, I was talked to as a teen. "If you have sex please tell me and I will get you on the pill". I don't want you to end up a teenage mother like myself. I told my parent and all hell broke loose. I was 17. I ran away, quit school and it changed my entire life. So again, all though you talk to your children they may not be able to discuss this with you. I talk to mine own children starting young and we had no problems with honesty and birth control. from Scarboro by Raychel

Comment: Schools should concentrate on Education, not perscribing birth control. by melissa

Comment: If children are going to have sex it needs to be safe sex point blank. We don't need a bunch of sick or pregnant kids running around because they were scared to talk to their parents. from Biddeford/Maine by Kaitlyn

Comment: yes, absolutely!!!!!!!! last i knew schools couldn't give aspirin without parental consent. what? is the idea that kids are doing it anyway so we should protect them? Whats next...is the school gonna come up with a better way to protect them from the dangers of smoking dope?cause we all know that alot of kids are doin it!!!! how about issuing a milder more safe type of government controlled pot!! BONEHEADS!! by Harvey

Comment: There should not be because some teens are or may be to scared to tell there parents and some parrent won't allow it so the teens would have no choice to have a child. from Dayton Maine by Steven

Comment: I'd rather see these kids on birth control than pregnant and anything thing that can be done to stop teenage pregnancy should be done! from Kennebunk, Maine by Steven

Comment: Giving birth control to children(and they are still children) is saying it is ok and acceptable to have premarital sex. Is this the message we want to send our children. Did I have premarital sex, sure I did but this doesn't make ok nor do I teach my children that it is ok. from Biddford by Daniel

Comment: School's should be teaching our kids the basic subjects not being a planned Parenthood Annex. Let's face it, in most cases they fail fail miserably in their basic charter, why should we expect they can get birth control right? from Brunswick by Cody

Comment: Do parents need to approve a 16 year old boy going into the drug store to buy condoms? NO, so why should a 16 year old girl who doesn’t want to risk pregnancy have to ask permission for birth control? Parents need to teach their children to make good decisions but kids will make mistakes; why take the chance of pregnancy? I’ll tell you what, if my 16 year old has a little package of pills in her purse we will know, just like we will know if she drinks or uses drugs, it’s called being a parent so the ‘permission’ question should be a mute point for those who actually ‘parent’. from Windham by HB

Comment: Yes parents need to know and how much is birth control for so many students costing tax payers? It's a big problem and these children that are having sex instead of playing Nintendo or going out for a bike ride need to wise up. from Portland by Greg

Comment: It is up to the parents, when we allow them to use birth control that tells them it is okay for them to have sex. We should be explaining to these kids that abstinence is best. from East Livermore / Maine by j

Comment: absolutely, let parents be parents!!! from Scarborough,Me by E

Comment: No, its not ok to consent to middle schoolers to be having sexual relations. However, I believe that it is better to have the children or young adults be safe than get pregnant, because all in all, parental consent or not, they are going to do what they want anyway. from Portland, ME by Amanda

Comment: Absolutely not i dont believe that parents should consent, its good that kids under 18 are wanting birth control at any age because that means they are being responcible and dont want to get pregnant or get anyone else pregnant and if parents get involved it might just interfere and make those kids second guess themselves but i think parents shouldnt consent i come from a voice of experience i became pregnant after my 19th birthday and my parents never consented and its the best thing that ever has happened to me! from East Dixfield by Katie

Comment: Absolutely parents should be the ones to give consent,Too many rights concerning our children have been handed over to other authority figures outside of the home. Birth control is something a parent should have say about, not kept in the dark about. We already have a break in the lines of communication between teachers-parents-students, why make it worse! from Bath by Tammy

Comment: If they give out birth control what other drugs will they give the kids without leting he parents knowing about? from Auburn Me by Steve

Comment: Teens will be sexually active regardless of what their parents say. It is natural. They should be given access to birth control and the education that comes with it as soon as they choose to be sexually active. If a school nurse is distributing or prescribing birth control, it will likely come with some educational conversation which is more than you get at the drug store. I'm all for it. Fewer unwanted pregnancies, fewer STD's, what's the problem? from OXFORD, ME by Will

Comment: yes they should need a parents sign slip saying its ok to give them birth control. im not against them having it just want them to to ask us first. we sign paper every year at the beginning of school have that be one of them if thats what school want to do from gorham by rebecca

Comment: Yes, I feel that parents should be told, I know it is a catch 22 but if there is a medical problem that needs to disclosed it could be a very serious matter. from Old Orchard Beach, Me by Barbara

Comment: I think it's terrible how much control is still held over women. I think it is wrong that females still need permission to be in control of their sexuality. I don't see anyone trying to get an age limit on the sales of condoms. This is just another example of womens/girls rights being controlled by a male dominated society. from Alfred by D

Comment: This is a doctor/patient confidentiality issue period. Even a minor has the right to privacy with a health care provider with certain medical care issues, and for good reason. from Portland

Comment: birth control should be up to the parents and child, not anyone else. from portland,me. by dorothy

Comment: Parents are responcible for the health and well being of their children. Parents have a right and responciblity to be aware of all drugs their children are taking and what possible interaction those drugs may have with each other. from South Portland by Bill

Comment: It's time we stopped kidding ourselves about the link between sexual activity and contraception. If teens are going to have sex they will do so whether or not birth control is available. Save the heartache all around and make it available. from Portland Maine by Mary Ann

Comment: At least they will be using protection. Parents may not like it, but they'll dislike having a pregnant teen even more! from Limerick by Stacy

Comment: I think parental notification at a minimum. there may be circumstances where this medication may be medically indicated for other than pregnancy prevention. from Bangor by Shawn

Comment: Young people are going to make decisions and not have everyone has the ability to be open and honest about their sexuality with their parents, especially those who are in a lower income bracket, education and funding is not there for proper sex education . Young people should be able to access birth control even if they don't have parental consent. from Portland by Charles

Comment: If students do decide to be sexually active, they need to protect themselves from pregnancy and STI's, with or without their parents consent. Some may fear their parents... from Farmington by Kathy

Comment: Some teens come from homes where it is not conducive to talk to a parent (and can be dangerous). Those who are comfortable and supported by parents will talk to them. Teens need to be able to consult health care providers in a confidential manner. from Brunswick, Maine by Debora

Comment: Many teens can and do talk with their parents about birth control but for those who can't this option is of vital importance to keep teen pregnancy from occurring. It is the children who CAN"T communicate with their parents who are often at great risk. I think all opportunities for regular and open sex education should be available for teens along with birth control when requested. from Falmouth, ME by Margo

Comment: This would be such a barrier to teens getting the services they so need. Teens should always be encouraged to talk to parents, but it should not be a requirement from Readfield, Me by Sandy

Comment: In order for practitioners to fully support teen patients, they need to be able to confidentially provide appropriate health care, including birth control if appropriate. from Sanford, Maine by Susan

Comment: You better believe it!! I have three daughters and there better not be a school clinic anywhere in this land that has prescribed ANYTHING to my girls without my knowledge. We need to get back to real family values people. What happened to the relationship between our children and the parents?....the parents are trying to dump responsibilites onto anyone but themselves!! Step up Mom and Dad and communicate with your children!!!! from Gray, Maine by Joe

Comment: Parents should do all they can to create a climate where their teen is willing to talk with them, but even in the best of situations the child may not feel comfortable doing so. In fact, you could argue that it's developmentally appropriate for them not to talk to their parents about some things-- like sex. It's more important that the child have access to protection if s/he decides to become sexually active. Hopefully the talking will come later if not now. BTW, I'm the mom of two teenagers -- and while I'd like to know, of course, I'd rather be realistic. from Belgrade, Maine by Sue

Comment: There are circumstances under which young people need access to birth control without parental knowledge. It is provided responsibly by health care PROFESSIONALS in schools and clinics. This needs to remain legal. from Sidney/ME by Gina

Comment: Parents against teen pregnancy sure as heck better be in favor of teens seeking family planning without permission. from Presque Isle, ME by Susan

Comment: I'd like to see young teens receive accurate advice and information before receiving birth control. It's better for them to have it to prevent unplanned pregnancies and the spread of infection. from Cumberland by Lalla

Comment: It would only increase the rate of teen pregnancy. This wouldn't stop kids from having sex. It would stop them from having safe sex. Teens are trying to to take responsibility for themselves and their actions. They can't do that if we mandate parental consent. from Farmington, ME by Megan

Comment: That is why they have clinics because teens may not feel comfortable talking to their parents about it. from Orono by H

Comment: Many kids in high school do not feel comfortable enough to tell their parents they are sexually active. I feel that more teen pregnancies could be prevented if teens felt there was somewhere to go (anonymously) and get birth control. Fortunately for me I could have an open relationship with my parents about this, but I have a couple friends that could not. I know they are very thankful that they could go to Penquis, the planned parethood clinic in Bangor. from Maine by Ashley

Comment: I believe that teenage pregnancy would be at a decrease if girls could get birth control without parental consent. I know I talk to my daughters about it and hope they make the right decission but if they dont and dont feel they can come to me then i would hope they could go somewhere and get the right information and protection so they dont get themselfs in trouble from Augusta by Wendy

Comment: Maybe this will finally get parents to talk to their kids and be a part of their life. from Freeport by J

Comment: Yes. Hard as it is to believe, there are teens who do not feel comfortable talking to their parent or parents about sexual activity. If these teens make the choice to engage in the activity, they should at least be protected. from Sanford, ME by H.D.

Comment: In all other types of medical matters (except reproductive) parents are the legal guardians of their under 18 year old. Why is it that reproductive health is exempt when it is illegal to sell cigarettes and liquor to minors. Birth control is a chemical just like nicotine & alcohol. from Gardiner, ME by Jodi

Comment: Wake up people, when your child enters public schools,you no longer have any say in raising your child,every moral thing that you have passed on to your child is now stripped from them..they are brainwashed by so called educaters,that sex is ok,homosexulatity is ok,We should be ashamed of the way our children act today. The future of this country is a sorry time in american History. from Fryeburg by Bill

Comment: All you have to look around you at all of the babies having babies, to realize that we need to do more than tell them not to have sex. We need to teach them to be careful if they are going to do it. We should be teaching them how to make healthy choices. from Portland by Charles

Comment: Chances are if a young person dares to ask for birth control, he or she is already having sex without protection. Better protected than being parents at 13. Better protected than suffering STDs or AIDS. Parents who care will talk to their children. The availability of birth control without parental consent is for those unfortunate kids who for any number of reasons cannot approach their parents. from freeport, maine by florence

Comment: They are still minors, of course they need our consent. from Gray,Me by Kim

Comment: People are quick to say parents are to blame for children and teens problems and poor choices, and that is often true- why would it be ok for parents not to be involved when it comes to sex and birth control? from Portland ME by Jessica

Comment: Requiring parental consent before obtaining birth control means that many teenagers are simply going to rely on condoms without a secondary control method, such as the pill. It will only create a worse problem. from Orono, ME by Keira

Comment: It's important not to put such restrictions on teens' access to reproductive health care services. I feel confidentiality is a determining factor for a lot of teens seeking to practice safe sex. This proposal is out of touch with reality in the sense that sexually-active teens will make that decision with or without parental consent. Therefore, we need to support and provide proper services and not create barriers around their reproductive rights. from Portland by Renee

Comment: this is just another attempt by the religious right to the the womans body. we need more teen pregnacys don't we that will really help maines' economy and raise our taxes supporting unwanted children. from brownfield by elanine

Comment: As long as parents are aware that birth control is an available choice at their school health center, they can decide whether they want to sign their teen up for health services or not. If they choose to have health services for their child, whether at their medical provider's office or at the school based health center, they need to realize that issues around substance use, mental health and reproductive health care can be a confidential service if the teen requests it to be so. That is the only way that some kids feel safe enough to share about what is really happening in their lives and to get assistance when they need it. Otherwise, many teens will take their chances with broken or forgotten condoms leading to pregnancy. There will be more unplanned, unwanted teen pregnancies - what a way to begin your life as an infant or as a teen. from ME by Marty

Comment: The US needs to better educate it's younger people and give them access to all form of protection. from Clinton, ME by Amanda

Comment: I work with at risk youth that don't have good relationships with their parents. If this passed I believe we would have a lot more teen pregnancies. Youth would not seek birth control options. from eddington, maine by suzanne

Comment: teens might not be comfortable talking with their parents about birth control. it's better to be prepared then 15 and pregnant! from Biddeford by Delina

Comment: You need an neither option to answer for this. As a father to 2 young daughters I am ok with them getting this through a healthcare provider but at the same time I do not feel that they should have acces through the school system. from South Portland, ME by Dan

Comment: statistics show that 80% of teens would avoid using birth control if they had to ask their parents for consent (though they will still have unprotected sex) from Orono by Heather

Comment: You will have more pregnant teenagers if you do - this has been shown over and over again in a number of studies from Bangor by Erik

Comment: The reality is that adolescents do not ask parental permission before having sex. So it's best to allow them to make their own decisions about birth control. from Arrowsic, ME by Julia

Comment: I believe the school should avoid this and let this be the decision of the parents.. from Falmouth by Kate

Comment: Teens will have sex reguardless if protection is available, some teens can't go to their parents for lunch money and you want them to ask for condoms/the pill? Get a grip and get religion out of our schools! from Brunswick by I was a

Comment: I do feel that it should be required. These children need to be held accountable to their parents to get contraception. They are not old enough to be making these decisions on their own. Since when should we hold the school responsible for giving our children birth control? This is unacceptable. from Lewiston by Stefanie

Comment: I think that parental consent in schools would be a very bad idea. Teens should be able to acsess birth control freely. The thought that not having birth control available will prevent teens from having sex is completly absurd. Teenage birthrate is on the rise, actually on the rise as we speak, and birth control is a safe anad effective way to stem that rise. from Calais by Jesse

Comment: If parents were building relationships with their children, as difficult as the subject may be, I would like to think the lines of communication would be open enough that the school would not be the first place they would go. Having said that, I know that family situations are not "ideal," however I would not want the school handing out birth control without my consent. by A mother from Saco

Comment: A simple question, what ever happened to abstinence? Do we expect too little from our children? Are we always going to look for a quick fix, and easy way out...........t There is a response-ability that goes with all of our choices.The first is with the parent's educating their children with sound moral values........never underestimate what our children could do with the right guidance and teaching......they may simple choose to act in the higher standards if it is expected and Yep even offered by a concerned lady

Comment: Birth control does not make a child under the age of 18 have sex. They will have sex regardless, let's protect our children from becoming parents before they are mature enough to handle this very huge responsibility. by Lynn

Comment: Parents need to know what thier children are doing. They are responsible for them and they must have parental rights. from Ocean Park by Barbara

Comment: I personally feel the schools are so overwhelmed now with all their duties that this will just be one more that they shouldn't be involved in. Also, why don't we have more pride and confidence in the teenagers and not say, well they will have sex anyway. All society has to do is make up it's mind to expect different behavior from our young adults and attach some tabu's to behavior that is not acceptable or responsible and things will change for the better. We will never have a perfect society but lets aim for one, instead of expecting the worst and getting it from our young adults. We brought up 3 girls and a boy and they knew how we felt and what we expected from them because we made it clear through our own actions. I know this is possible because we did it with our children. As I said, if society raises its standards, it will have a positive effect on the teenagers. As an example, twenty years ago no one would have believed that the State would dictate where you could or could not smoke. Any thing is possible if it becomes a popular view point. We have more kids today at a younger age contracting sexual diseases than ever before. How has birth control or sex education helped in that regard? I also don't see that it has helped protect children who are "wanted as opposed to unwanted" from child abuse. I could go on and on because I have seen the changes from the 1973 abortion law and I have only seen things go down hill from there. from Standish by Janice

Comment: In a perfect world all children would wait to become sexually active. We all know the world is not perfect, and there are children out there who can not talk to there parents openly about this issue. So if a teenage girl has made the decision to have sex, then good for them for protecting themselves. I agree that middle school is a little young, but I feel it should be allowed in high schools. I feel they should also allow the boys to have condoms. After all this day in age, we are not only worried about pregnancy. from Waterford by Terra

Comment: Encouraging, when appropriate, works much better than requiring consent, and it preserves their rights. from Brewer Maine by JoAnne

Comment: Students will be still be sexually active. Therefore, if parental consent is required, teen pregnancy rates and sexually transmitted disease prevalence will escalate. This will result in unwanted children, poorly raised children, and even higher higher rates of welfare and other government subsidized programs for baby and teen mother. The tax payer is paying enough for unmotivated people on government hand outs; let's not make it worse. from Waterville by Jane

Comment: No the last thing we need is more babys having babys! all because some kid didn't listen to mom and dad from Augusta by Stephaine

Comment: Why would any reasonable parent not object to someone giving prescription medication of any kind to their minor child without their knowledge or consent? The responsibility for the health care of children rests squarely on the shoulders of the parents and should never be abdicated to any individual, government or institution as long as the parents are of sound mind. What a terrible precedent to set. from Harpswell by Catherine

Comment: if this law passes you will see a spike in teen pregnancies in this state, too many young kids are to scared to go talk to their parents, so therefore kids will be less likely to take anything at all to prevent getting pregnant. from buckfield by jason

Comment: If it is illegal to give any prescribed medication to another person, it should be the same for the school system. As a parent, I would be extremely angry if another individual provided a drug to my child without my permission, knowledge, and/or consent. from Friendship, ME by Tim

Comment: Of course, simply who is anyone to take away parenting, on any level, personaly I'm all for a teenager to be able to get this kind of help and support because what teen is not going to have sex, looking at the big picture and remembering who we are as a nation schools must need permission from the parent to administer any such thing even if it's for the greater good it is clearly a line that can not be crossed. parenting is an awesome responsibilty to say the least. parenting should never be parented, controlled, other than parents with issues. Whats next. people forget we as a nation, are suppose to have the god given right to be free, for example the law pertaining to no smoking in a vehicle with children, more people than not will say we need laws of the sort but it is clearly intrusive, controlling, yes it's a shame people do these things and cause harm but as a free nation it's some thing that is not supposed to be governed. No arguement about this unless the people that want to argue will first publicly renounce the constitution and accept and let themselves be controlled like a communist state. Whats next. We in this country are suppose to be free to the point of loss of life and limb, I more than most know we are not, the tree of liberty, freedom needs to be refreshed from time to time and most know were a century overdue. (I also know news 13 will not publish what I have said here maybe heavily edited. Like a politician I believe ch. 13 which is my favorite news by the way will never pick a side, even lightly, every ONE in the publics eye will never pick a side of anything controversal. its alot like a politician telling the public what he/she knows they want to hear, or not daring to claim whether they are democrat or republican, always the inbetween, both sides are contraversal and people can find legit arguement to any thing any side and justify what ever to their favor as needed, John McCain is a perfect example of this and same old puppet) sorry ch. 13 this stuff been bulding up with me. I'm sure many more. from Yarmouth Me. by Tim

Comment: First and foremost, I have to pay the bills. I don't think that my child should be able to get birth control, a pregnancy test or an abortion/ medical procedure without my knowledge and consent. I think that this entire "children's rights" has gone too far. Parent's are feeling slighted by the lack of concern to what's in their childs best interest- yet we are expected to take care of them, provide them with shelter, clothe them etc. Do you see where this may be a bit unfair to us the parents? from Shapleigh, Maine by Knickcole

Comment: I hope that my children come to me and discuss birth control issues, but if kids don't have the open relationship with their parents that allows this, then it is nice to know they have someone to turn to. Reguardless of a parents wishes for abstanence, a child is going to have sex. Do I want the school promoting sexual intercourse? No! Do I want a school to educate my children and offer assistance that I may not be aware of or privy to by my child? Yes I do! from Norway by Missy

Comment: There is a common misconception that making birth control available to people under 18 will increase their desire to explore sexual activities, but this is not the case. Kids are going to be curious about it no matter how available or unavailable birth control is, and isn't it better knowing that at least your kids will be safe? from Berwick, Maine by Katharine

Comment: we need to show our kids that we care from augusta by Jeff

Comment: Children don't get parental consent prior to having their first sexual experience. Most children under 18 won't go to their parents seeking birth control either. If children are forward thinking enough to at least to go to a clinic or health care provider, even without parental knowledge, I support that. It takes a village............... from So.Portland, ME by Veronica

Comment: The parents need to teach their kids to keep their legs cloded first! from Lewiston by Scott

Comment: Children under 18 don't need parental consent to have sex so it follows that they should have access to birth control! by Lea

Comment: These days kids are doing all sorts of things.If a teen is responsible enough to ask for birth control, then parents should be happy that their child is actually that responsible. from Portland,Maine by Laura

Comment: Parents need to be notified and involved. And when the child becomes pregnant due to failure to comply with medication administration guidelines will the parent be notified/responsible? from Dover Foxcroft by Catherine

Comment: Without exception, yes. The school cannot give an Advil or Tylenol without consent, the same rule should apply for more harmful pharmaceuticals. from Damariscotta by Gina

Comment: If the parents aren't parenting them someone needs to do it. from Old Town, ME by Kara

Comment: Absolutely no restraints on teens getting birth control. Teen pregnancy is a big problem in our area. Also, when teens go to a doctor for birth control, they can get advise and condoms to prevent STDs. from Skowhegan, ME by Anna

Comment: There are situations in which the health care concerns and the parents' naive expectations may be in conflict, and the healthcare issue should be the priority. As much as we as parents want to be involved in these decisions, teens are not always able to work through such complex issues with their parents or guardians. And cases of abuse or denial are possible. from Bowdoinham by Joanne

Comment: I feel it's better to be safe. A lot of parents are in denial about their children having sex, or simply not knowing. A lot of children don't feel comfortable going to their parents with this issue. It's time to protect our children. from Portland, ME by Erin

Comment: Maine has a very effective law that has been working for thirty-five years. If we want teens to have access to information and services that are helpful and protect their lives, we must support access to confidential services. from Bangor, ME by Sharon

Comment: If this is going to be the law (which I am totally against), there needs to be some sort of limits to it. I travel all over the country and people from all over think that Maine is headed in the wrong direction with this decision. from Brunswick by P

Comment: As a high school student, I think YES... Parents should be notified, otherwise, students can be given birth control, and be having sex, and the parents are left in the dark.. Granted there are some things i don't tell my parents, but when it comes to prescribed drugs, especially this one, parents should know. from Nobleboro, ME by J

Comment: Birth Control is a personal decision. If it's a ridiculous age to be on BC, then it shouldn't be prescribed unless for menstrual reasons from Saco by Kristen

Comment: Sex is a natural instinct that can't be regulated by simply denying birth control. Children need to understand the responsibility involved when engaging in intercourse. We need to educate children at an earlier age and not be so shy when teaching the topic of sex. from Old Town/ Maine by Joey

Comment: It is medication that can have side effects, like high blood pressure and blood clots. What kind of work ups are they doing on these kids first? Are they going to pay for any medical costs incurred if the child has a serious side effects? It should be the parent's decision, like any other health decision regarding their child's welfare. by S

Comment: We are responsible for our childrens health and safety from Hollis Center by Lorelei

Comment: Most definitly, My teen daughter has allergies to certain dyes and chemicals. Knowing this I am very up to date about what goes into the mouth of my kids, rather it's food or medications. from Dixfield/Maine by Shannon

Comment: The parents should know what is going on with their kids when they are financially responsible for them. from Livermore, Maine by Vicky

Comment: There needs to be a conversation with the parents, providers and teen where a decision for the most benefit to the teen can be made. from Windham Maine by Judy

Comment: Schools are going to far and trying to become the parents instead of focusing on TEACHING by Amanda

Comment: We are considered the guardian or parent until the child is of age. It is unfair to both the parent and the child to leave the well-being of a teenager up to someone who is not legally responsible for them. from Lewiston/Maine by Anita

Comment: If parental consent is required for teens to obtain birth control, then those teens are less likely to use birth control, because they don't want to tell their parents for any number of reasons. That's when we have a lot of teen pregnancies, and we don't need that. from Hancock, ME by Carrie

Comment: It is critical to help students avoid pregnancy. Certainly, it is the parents' job to talk to their teens about sex and try to help teens avoid it. But if the parents have been ineffective in preventing the teens fro having sex, it's essential for them to be able to access products that can prevent them from contracting life-long diseases or getting pregnant. from Cape Neddick, ME by Kate

Comment: yes i do parents should have the right to know what there teens are doing or taking i know if it was my teen i would not be to happy from Topsham by Bob

Comment: Parents cannot control everything their children do. Teen pregnancy has been a problem for all generations. We have more diseases to worry about now too. Condoms should be available so those who choose to have sex are somewhat protected. Birth control pills can have side effects and should not be given without a parent's OK. They also offer no protection from disease. We should all talk to our children about the consequences of sex- not just the potential for pregnancy and the possibility of diseases, but about reputations and self respect. This talk needs to happen at an earlier age than most of us are prepared for. from Waterville by H

Comment: No, I don't but, I also think parents should talk to their children about safe sex practices. there are a lot worse things than getting pregnant. At least you can give a child up for adoption. You can do that with an STD. from Lewiston, Maine by Randall

Comment: Yes because the parent has the legal right now about their childs sex life. There still kids come on why shouldnt the parrent know about there son or daughter. from south portland by justin

Comment: Until "children" are 18, they are STILL children. They have yet to develop a true, mature level of thinking and decision making until they are young adults (early twenties). Parents are ultimately responsible for the care and well-being of their children, this includes anything that relates to medical care. from Augusta by M

Comment: As parents we are responsible for all aspects of our childrens lives including but not limited to any sexual activity not to mention any health related risks associated with some forms of birth control from kennebunk maine by Daniel

Comment: Yes I beleive that if a child is under 18, then the parent should have the say. Parents need to become more aware of the "what, when, and who." Teenagers are just alllow too much freedom, and thats how they get into trouble, and it should fall back on the parents, parenting skills more. I work in a health center and I see so many under age pregancies. from WInthrop, ME by Melissa

Comment: Because there are adverse medical reactions to using birth control pills by Donna

Comment: In case the child has allergies or had a medical health problem that the parent didn't know about it, it's better to have a parental consent. from Winthrop, ME by Heather

Comment: Of course! Thats should be a no brainer. Birth control can have very bad side effects. We have no idea what the hormones in these pills will do our young ladies development. I was an adult and still had very adverse effects from the pill and so didn't many of my friends. I can't even imagine what it would do to a minor. The parents absolutly should have to consent. from Edgecomb, ME by Jessica

Comment: Yes for the school clinics but not for other health care providers, females should be able to make their own decisions before the age of 18 when it comes to sexual activity. by Crystal

Comment: children will make better decisions when they can trust their parents with these conversations from Pasadena, CA by Kim

Comment: Many sexually active young teens would not seek out birth control if their parents had to be informed. plain and simple. from Portland by Janis

Comment: Yes, we live in a democracy not in a communist nation, at least not last time I checked. from Lisbon Falls by Jonathan

Comment: I THINK GIRLS AGES 10 TO 18 SHOULD NOT USE BIRTH CONTROL, BUT USE THEIR MINDS INSTEAD. I THINK 10 TO 17 GIRLS ARE TOO YOUNG AND STOP TO REALIZE IT IS HAD TO PARENT A CHILD. I HAVE A 15 YEAR OLD AND IT I KNOW THE RESPONSIBLE'S OF RAISING A CHILD AND FOR A CHILD RAISING IT'S HARD AND STILL IN SCHOOL. A PARENT IS A FULL TIME JOB. SO IF THEY ARE BECOMING OF BEING A PARENT, GIRLS BE CAREFUL AND THINK BEFORE YOU DO BECOME A MOTHER. from BIDDEFORD , MAINE by JAMES

Comment: I THINK GIRLS AGES 10 TO 18 SHOULD NOT USE BIRTH CONTROL, BUT USE THEIR MINDS INSTEAD. I THINK 10 TO 17 GIRLS ARE TOO YOUNG AND STOP TO REALIZE IT IS HAD TO PARENT A CHILD. I HAVE A 15 YEAR OLD AND IT I KNOW THE RESPONSIBLE'S OF RAISING A CHILD AND FOR A CHILD RAISING IT'S HARD AND STILL IN SCHOOL. A PARENT IS A FULL TIME JOB. SO IF THEY ARE BECOMING OF BEING A PARENT, GIRLS BE CAREFUL AND THINK BEFORE YOU DO BECOME A MOTHER. from BIDDEFORD , MAINE by JAMES

Comment: Parents are the best to know when the child is responseable enough for making decsions on using birth control items. from augusta,me by wade

Comment: parents still have control of there children,and by doing this they are telling the children the wrong message for birth control,by going behind the parents back...... from cumberland,maine by sharon

Comment: Students who believe that they can consult their parents and receive help rather than hindrance are likely to have done so. Access to protection should not be prohibited for vulnerable young women and men who do not have or do not believe they have the support of their parents. from Ellsworth, ME by Deborah

Comment: this is teaching the kids to lie to their patants and the next thing it`s ok to do drugs long as they do`nt get cought.it`s wrong what they are teaching our kids to day. it`s ok to have sex before your marred. from waterville,me by barbara

Comment: Because I would make sure I have this talk first with my child, but if a kid is taking the steps necessary to make sure they are not going to have an unwanted pregnancy, I am all for it. The bottom line is, most teens are going to have sex. from Brunswick ME by Barb

Comment: I do believe parents should be notified and then work with their child. I would prefer my daughter to wait to have sex and would encourge that strongly, but if she is going to have sex, and we all know, not being on the pill, will not stop them. I would prefer her to be protected and I would want to be the one to handle getting her birth control. But if they do prescribe birth control, they also need to promote the use of condoms to help protect against disease. by Elaine

Comment: it may only be birth control but what about the health risks...i.e. heart attacks, strokes from Portland by Patricia

Comment: because I don't think it's rite 2 do just what the teachers think it's not their responsibility 2 take care of the situation it's the parents responsibility. from Lewiston Me by Dee

Comment: mixes emotions about this questions ... I like the fact that the child is using protection - although I believe the parent has the right to know... from Lewiston, ME by Tricia

Comment: i think that we have the right to say yes or no to given our children birth control. they are our children and not the schools by jean

Comment: We do not prepare children to be responsible adults by witholding information or tools from them. Witholding access to birh control will not stop teens from having sex, but it will spread disease and create unwanted pregnancies. from Portland, Maine by Elizabeth

Comment: A lot of young girls are afraid to talk to their parents about sex. Especially if their parents are agenst it. If a girl is old enough for her to be able to conseve a child then she is old enough to make the decision about birth control on her own. A lot of parents think if they approve their daughters to have birth control it is saying that they are ok with them having sex and they think if thay say no their daughters will not have sex. Not true! It's better to be safe then sorry. They are going to have sex if their parents want them to or not. It would be nice if all parents understood that but they don't. Let's stand together and help teens put off parenthood till they are old enough to be ready for it. from Augusta Maine by Mandy

Comment: yes because it is our responsiblity and obligation, not the schools.why does the state and government want to take over our lives, and then when they get their way, we complain. Also medical hisory is good to know and who knows better than the Parents.On the other hand since they can have abortions without permission, Which is worse?? When i was 15 i got birth control without parental consent and i felt like i was being responsible. Each case is different and should be up to the parents to discern those differences from Mechanic falls, me by Bonnie

Comment: I don't think any rational person thinks child pregnancy is a pleasant thing...and a lot of people who want parents to step in might think the people who don't want parents to step in are okay with kids being pregnant, when, in fact, they might hate it as much as their "foes" but are willing to explore any means necessary to stop it - even if it means side-stepping the parents for protection and their own sense of realizing personal freedom. from Auburn by Brandi