Senator Smith Submits Bill Requiring Parental Consent Before Administering Prescription Birth Control For Children 14 And Younger

For Immediate Release

October 30, 2007

Augusta – Senator Doug Smith (R- Piscataquis) has submitted a bill to the Legislative Council that would require parental consent before any school could give prescription birth control to children 14 years old or younger.

Responding the statewide outcry over the Portland School Board’s recent decision to allow middle school children to receive prescription birth control without parental consent, Senator Smith thought the issue should be addressed in the state legislature.

“The people of Maine have demonstrated their outrage and disappointment with the Portland School Board’s decision to allow children access to prescription birth control without the consent of their parents.  I thought it was appropriate to revisit our consent laws and introduce some common sense.  If a student cannot go to the Portland Museum of Art without a permission slip from a parent they certainly should not be getting prescription drugs without parental permission.”

In order for the Legislature to vote on Senator Smith’s legislation it must first receive a majority vote from the legislative council.  The Council is comprised of 6 Democrats and 4 Republicans who are members of House and Senate leadership. 

“All Mainers are concerned with the health and well being of our children. I am urging the Legislative Council to allow this bill a public hearing and the opportunity to come to the floor where it can be debated.”

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