11 Year Olds on Birth Control??

On Christmas morning while I had some time to relax, I turned on the Montel Williams show. His guest was Judge Judy. I heard something that just got me upset. It concerns middle school aged children, grades 6 thru 8.

Judge Judy was saying that when parents sign those permission medical forms...you know giving the school permission to provide medical care to your child if the parents are not readily available, the school can give medical treatment to your child.

Here is the horrifying part: did you know that the permission form you sign, gives the school permission to give your daughter birth control pills or son contraceptives? Oh My God, imagine...11 year olds on birth control. Do 11 yr olds even know what to do at that age?! What judgement do 11 year olds have?

It seems in Maine a decision was passed, voted 7-2 to make this happen. What is worse is that this birth control (medication) is given WITHOUT the parents' knowledge.

As a mother, I would not want my 11 yr old son having sex, nor would I want the school to step in and give my son condoms without my knowledge. I have trouble putting sex in the same sentence with 11 year olds.
I remember as a single parent, having the 'talk' with my son at an early age, but I did not have to worry about him actually having or even thinking about having sex.

This brings up several concerns. Are parents educating their children to the best of their ability? If the children in Maine or in other states are becoming pregnant at the age of 11, something is seriously wrong.

If birth control is given to these children, are they aware this is not consent to go out and have sex, nor protect them from disease? Is this actually encouraging them to have sex?

And, think about the young, growing bodies of an 11 yr old little girl. Giving hormones to these girls? What does this do to the chemistry in their body?

I know times are changing. Young children are growing up way too fast. We allow them to wear certain clothing that really is suitable for older kids, we allow them to watch certain shows and movies that are really not for young children.

Is it the parents, society, peer pressure, celebrities who encourage? Who isn't teaching morals and values?

Why can't kids just be kids?

Video provided about Associated Press:
Students in Maine will be able to get birth control pills and patches at their student center

In Washington, another view on the subject.