MPS To Discuss Providing Free Condoms to Kids

Good idea?

Milwaukee Public Schools’ health officials want to make condoms freely available to students in many of the district’s high schools, as part of an effort to combat the health risks that sexually transmitted infections and other communicable diseases pose to young people.

If the proposal wins the support of the School Board, the new policy could take effect as early as next school year, making MPS one of a few districts in the nation that provide contraception to students.

I’m not sure it’s a bad idea.  Childhood pregnancies and STDs have been devastating in Milwaukee.  While there are many other issues that need to be addressed - like a culture that celebrates unwed teen sex - but while we work on the bigger issues, it might not be a bad idea to make it easier for the kids to put a helmet on their soldiers before sending them out to war.  On the other hand, I would like to see some evidence that providing free condoms actually has a positive impact on reducing STDs and pregnancies.  After all, free condoms are already readily available from a lot of places.  Is it really the cost that is deterring condom use or is it the culture?  If it’s the culture, then providing free condoms is just a wasted cost. 

That’s my quick two cents. 

Thoughts?