Policy permitting the distribution of condoms in high schools [Philadelphia School Board, 24 June 1991
Washington memo 1991: 4
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0739-4179 PMID: 12320040 Document Number: 337896
On 24 June 1991, the School Board of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, approved a policy to distribute condoms to 51,000 high school students in grades 9-12 in specified schools. The condoms will be distributed by community health and social service groups. Students will not be able to receive condoms if their parents object in writing. The policy also calls for educational programs at all grade levels to emphasize that abstinence is the most effective way to prevent the spread of HIV infection. In early 1991, the New York City Board of Education voted to make condoms available on request to the city's 250,000 high school students. The program will begin operation at 30 to 35 high schools and will include all 120 of the city's high schools within 18 months. Condoms will be provided without parental consent or mandatory counseling. In addition, parents will not be allowed to prohibit their children from obtaining condoms. See Washington Memo (Alan Guttmacher Institute), 5 March 1991, p. 4.