Plan to give out "Plan B" morning after pill at schools causing controversy

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - It created controversy in Springfield schools just before the start of the school year when condoms were made available to middle and high school students , but New York City schools are taking it one step further by offering girls the morning-after pill.

New York high schools are moving beyond condoms and offering girls as young as 14 the morning after pill without parental consent.

It is a controversial topic, even for freshmen and sophomores in local high schools.

“I don't think it's good idea,” said Kelsey Privey, 15, of Chicopee High School. “If they are giving it out at this age, they are giving people permission to go out and do what they shouldn't be doing at this age.”

“It's just teaching them that to have unprotected sex is ok, but it's not, because you can still get sexually transmitted diseases,” said Ally McNally, 15, also a Chicopee High student.

Springfield Public School officials ignited controversy last year after approving a plan to offer condoms to students starting this school year. In both Springfield and New York City, parents have been informed about the new plan.

In Chicopee, an average of 15-20 girls get pregnant each year, but as of right now, there are no plans to offer the morning after pill or even condoms any time soon.

“I think the important thing is to educate children about what's out there, what their options are, and how they can keep themselves safe,” said Karen Turmel, Nursing Supervisor for Chicopee Public Schools.