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Why do we want to give public organizations and schools the authority to distribute condoms to children? Is it necessary for a learning institute to provide birth control for its students? Shouldn't schools simply teach and inform students when it comes to questions relating to sexual reproduction and leave the responsibility for children's health and welfare up to the parents? Handing out condoms to young people is a sensitive area and brings up a number of questions. Parents traditionally have been responsible for explaining matters relating to sexual education and the conduct of their children but it does appear that the role is changing

It is within recent memory where the role of teaching sex education to youth has shifted significantly from the parent, and has become part of the curriculum taught in most schools. For many, this is a step forward in society but it may have come with unforeseen consequences. The problem is, if we expect too much from our educational system it may mean that parents will back away from the role which they have traditionally played for generations. It is not easy speaking to children about a difficult subject such as sex education but it appears that schools are doing the best job they can. However it really should be a responsibility that parents must take a leading role in. Therefore, the responsibility for preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases should also be mainly the parent's role. This however does not seem to be encouraged enough by many church leaders, politicians, and educational institutions.

Another reason why schools should be wary of crossing the line from teaching sexual intercourse awareness to aiding students in providing the means to do so is the precedent it is setting. The perception is that schools, which in the past have only provided an understanding of how the human sexual production system works are stripping away parents rights by providing condoms to students. Naturally we expect educators to ensure that young people are made aware of the consequences of unprotected sexual activity. That only makes sense. The issue what many parents object to is that providing birth control to young people is either directly or indirectly encouraging intercourse between them. Parents may feel they have lost control of who should be providing this information and guidance. There is also the concern that birth control pills will be distributed to students without the parent's knowledge. With proven health risks involving women using birth control pills, this is another large concern for parents.

Naturally the argument for providing birth control is to prevent young students from having babies when they aren't prepared to take on that responsibility. We are well aware of the years ahead of commitment and sacrifice facing young people when a teen girl becomes pregnant. In addition, social programs will be provided at a cost to tax payers. However, providing condoms does not guarantee young women won't get pregnant; in fact it might mean that younger people will have sex more frequently and increase their risks because of it. The debate goes on about this issue.

Finally, we can't dismiss the fact that providing birth control to all students requesting it, will result in a significant cost to the taxpayer. In these difficult economic times it is hard to justify spending money on anything other than educational purposes.

Learn more about this author, Tom Karlin.
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