Springfield school condom policy to take effect soon

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Condoms will soon be available to students in Springfield public middle and high schools, following months of controversy.

Back in April, the Springfield School Committee approved this " comprehensive reproductive health policy ." Its goal is to reduce teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases by providing access to condoms for students as young as 12. That caused controversy, as many parents said that they did not think children should be given access to contraception at such a young age.

“I don't think it's their job to be doing it. That's my job to be doing it,” Joana Mercado of Springfield said.

“They should figure out another way to do this to stop it so the school doesn't have to pass them out, and the parents can step-up and do their job.”

In Springfield alone, 27% of 12 year-olds, and more than half of all high school freshmen are already sexually active, and that is why some people, like Melissa Hedeen of Chicopee say that the new policy could be a good solution.

“I think its a good idea. It would definitely prevent pregnancies and STD's. I would rather that then something more serious,” Hedeen said.

Not all parents are sure this will work, though. Daphne MacDonald of Springfield thinks that handing out free condoms will give students the wrong impression.

"When they issue a condom to these young kids, boys, they're going to go after the girl because the first thing they're going to say is: 'Oh, they gave us condoms--it's O.K. to have sex.'; and I think that's wrong," MacDonald said.

Wanda Laribee of Springfield voiced similar concerns.  "It's like a double-edged sword. You know it'll help cut down teen pregnancy and things like that, but it's also like giving kids a green light to fool around," Laribee said. "I don't agree fully with it."

Under Springfield’s program, parents and guardians will be able to decide whether or not they want their student to opt out of the program.

The school district will be contacting parents about the new policy over the next two weeks. Letters and opt-out forms will be mailed before school starts. Parents also will be contacted by phone.