· Under a new Chicago Public Schools policy, 5th graders and above will be required to carry out a condom availability program, with a goal of educating children while also safeguarding them from unwanted pregnancies and serious illnesses such as HIV AIDS.
· The idea of the now implemented policy was years in the making, and although it received some controversy, lawmakers believe it is a step in the right direction.
· “Young people have the right to accurate and clear information to make healthy decisions,” said Kenneth Fox, a CPS doctor and a pediatrician for 30 years, told Chicago Sun-Times.
· The starting point for elementary schools will be 250 condoms, while high schools, which already make them available, will get 1000.
· There will be no charges applicable, which will encourage more students to acquire them.
· When a school runs out, principals will be told to request more.
· Principals will receive guidance on how to go about storing them and operating the program.
· Condoms will be made available to students in an accessible area, but not too out in the open so that students have at least some privacy.