Springfield, Mass., Schools Approve Condom Policy

A policy that would make condoms available to students age 12 and older received initial approval by the Springfield School Committee on March 15. The committee voted 5-1 in favor of the Comprehensive Reproductive Health Policy, which seeks to prevent STDs and pregnancy. The plan includes provisions for counseling students, and it permits parents "to deny permission (opt out) for access to condoms for their students." The Springfield Republican newspaper reported that Peter Murphy, who cast the lone dissenting vote, said he was uncomfortable about making condoms available to such young children. However, Mayor Domenic Sarno, who chairs the committee, called the vote "a smart move." The decision will not be final until the policy is approved in a second vote.

Back to other news for March 2012