Regarding the recent article, "School birth control debated" (June 7), it seems to me the headline was misleading as there was no actual debate cited in the article. People concerned with public health and affected students discussed the school system's practice of providing contraceptive solutions to students. The fact that it's allowed by state law was also pointed out multiple times.
But no one mounted a "debate" against the practice.
Councilman Carl Stokes offered only his disapproval of medical procedures that the students choose because he apparently objects to needles. Some parents explained that they don't understand consent forms they sign. And, after not understanding the consent form, that they don't trust the health practitioners to properly assess their child's situation.
And pastors including the Rev. Gregory Perkins object but provide no reason why — only that it's different in the city compared to the surrounding counties. So am I right that if Montgomery County offers contraceptive services, he'll stop "debating?"
So there's "controversy," but that's not the same as "debate" — something that requires opposing arguments based on fact, not emotion. Let our students have access to modern information and contraception.
Martin Kopser, Baltimore