Reading, Writing and Pregnancy Tests

As students get ready to return in the fall, officials at a school in upstate New York are prepping to offer a new service that will provide testing for sexually transmitted diseases and even pregnancy testing to any student who asks.

"Like any other high school we have teen pregnancy so when a young lady comes down we can offer a test and guide her and refer them from that point," said Port Chester Superintendent Donald K. Carlisle, insisting that it's simply an extension of the comprehensive health services already provided to students.

The measure is an attempt to combat high pregnancy rates. Students requesting the tests will be able to receive them without needing parental permission. Parents would also not be advised of test results.

Debra Gerson, a physician with Open Door, the group that runs the program, said that kind of confidentially is essential.

"There are times when they don't feel safe and they really need to have a place where they can come and disclose," Dr. Gerson said.

The issue is sparking much debate in the town of 28,300, but school officials said this is just the reality of taking care of students in today's world. What do you think? Is it providing high school students a needed service or shutting parents out of their teen's lives? Take our poll and comment below!