SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Springfield School Committee has given first-step approval to a policy that would make condoms available to students as young as 12.
The committee voted 5-1 Thursday night in favor of the "Comprehensive Reproductive Health Policy" in an effort to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. The policy also includes a provision for student counseling.
The policy also allows parents "to deny permission (opt out) for access to condoms for their students."
It still needs a second vote of approval before it is final.
Mayor Domenic Sarno, chairman of the School Committee, called it a "smart move."
Peter Murphy cast the lone vote against the policy. The Republican newspaper reports that he was not comfortable with the idea of making condoms available to students so young.
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