The only way to completely prevent pregnancy and STIs is to abstain from sex altogether. But since that's been proven most ineffective, condoms are the next best thing.
Recently, the state of Vermont established a new precedent by becoming the first state to require condom access in all public schools. It's become a highly polarizing topic that seems to have the country divided.
The Green Mountain State is world-renowned for its delectable cheddar cheese, sugary-sweet maple syrup, and for being the birthplace of the best-tasting ice cream in the country — Ben & Jerry's.
What is it that could ever possibly eclipse ice cream and cheese you ask? Isn't it obvious? The answer, of course, is simple — it's sex.
That goes for both middle schools as well as high schools. The law was enacted in an effort to help prevent teen pregnancy, as well as help stem the transmission of STIs.
But as the old saying goes, progress is indeed a slow process. Technically, the law has been on the books since the beginning of July 2021.
“Condoms should be available in locations that are safe and readily accessible for students, without barriers to obtaining condoms or stigma surrounding access," the declaration read.
Mary Beerworth is the executive director of the Vermont Right to Life Committee. She believes that giving kids ready access to condoms will actually increase the risk of teen pregnancy.
She goes on to say how she knows plenty of girls who've had abortions before turning 18, simply because they had forgotten to take the pill.
“Condom availability programs increase condom use, increase condom carrying behavior, promote abstinence or delayed sexual initiation among adolescents, and reduce STD rates,” Leriche said in her statement to TODAY Health.
Meaning that those children who were already sexually active began practicing safer sex. Not surprisingly, those who were not sexually active felt no compulsion to start humping one another now that they had a condom dispenser in the school bathroom.
"Vermont law goes into effect to give middle and high schoolers free condoms. High school makes sense, a little weird for middle but then again I know people that lost their virginity at 12 so... not sure what to think about it," Twitter user @BasedJoeCamel said.
As of 2014, only 7.2% of high schools and 2.3% of middle schools made condoms available to students. Hopefully, more states will be inspired by Vermont to reassess and rethink their approach to teaching kids safe sex.
