"School Condom Program Proposed"

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1992. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

"School Condom Program Proposed"

Washington Post (12/29/92), P. B3
Bates, Steve

Abstract: The Alexandria, Va., PTA Council has requested that the school system distribute condoms to high school students who want them, as an effort to prevent HIV infection and teenage pregnancy. If the PTA Council's proposal is endorsed, Alexandria would become the first suburban Washington, D.C., public school system to provide condoms to students. Schools in Washington began distributing condoms this school year at all high schools and several junior highs under a controversial program. Although Alexandria School Board members will be presented with the PTA Council proposal next week, education officials say they will move cautiously with it. School Board Chairman Angie Godfrey said, "We're going to take it seriously. I don't imagine us making a decision right away." She added that the School Board will probably hold public hearings on the idea and solicit input from a school health advisory committee. Sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, are an increasing problem in the school system. The PTA proposal calls for school personnel who are trained in HIV counseling and education be authorized to distribute condoms to students in grades nine through 12. It suggests that classroom AIDS education start as early as kindergarten and be given a greater focus in the middle and high schools. In addition, the proposal requires abstinence to be emphasized as a means of preventing the spread of HIV infection.

921229
AD922506

Copyright © 1992 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD. The CDC National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information. Contact the sources of the articles abstracted below for full texts of the articles.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1992. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1992. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.