Interesting that the “discussion” of sex education (“Panel questions abstinence-only sex education,” Feb. 11) only included views from one side of the issue. As a health care provider in rural Maine who sees the effects of children being provided all the contraception they may need, it saddens me that adults will fight for parents to be excluded in this aspect of children’s lives. And consider this a worthy cause!!!! It has been my experience (20 years in health care and years of advocating for youth) that many children are offered little or no guidance on the many reasons you might want to avoid adult behavior before you are an adult. The end result time and time again is children being forced into adult situations long before they are prepared which has lasting effects that cannot be fixed by a pill. If only these advocates for birth control would offer their time and energy and talents to mentor children, to help them mature and discover their self worth and potential and help them to make healthy choices throughout their lives.
Lisa Howard