Condoms in Schools Cause National Controversy

A new condom distribution policy adopted by schools in Provincetown, Massachusetts in June 2010 has sparked national controversy. The policy was intentionally written with no minimum age limit for students requesting condoms because policy-makers felt that assigning such limits may exclude some students from accessing an important prevention resource. School officials say there are a number of safety-measures in place to assure that students receive appropriate counseling, including information about abstinence. Further, requests may be denied based on a student's response to a series of screening questions. Both the town's Health Advisory Committee and School Board unanimously backed the policy because they believe will help protect kids from unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

Condom distribution programs in schools are not uncommon. A 2003 survey found that 50 districts across the US had such policies in place. Advocates of condom distribution in schools cite research findings that indicate that access to condoms does not encourage sexual behavior but does reduce sexual risk-taking among young people who are already sexually active.