Recent studies confirm that contraceptives fail to prevent pregnancy a significant number of times. Nevertheless, state legislatures insist that insurance providers cover these faulty contraceptives. Even worse, schools are distributing condoms and contraceptives to our children with little or no parental knowledge—giving students the false impression that these devices are foolproof. From legislation and policies to education and advertising, acceptance of contraceptives at "face value" has profoundly changed the cultural perspective of sex and reproduction.

The March/April issue of Family Planning Perspectives, published by Planned Parenthood’s research arm, The Alan Guttmacher Institute (AGI), featured two studies that pinpointed the failure rates of various contraceptives. The AGI study was titled "Contraceptive Failure Rates," and the Princeton University study was called "Contraceptive Failure: Method-Related Discontinuation and Resumption of Use" (Washington Times, 4/20/99).

Among the findings were:

• An average 10 percent of women using contraceptives become pregnant.
• Nine to 12 percent of women using reversible contraceptives become pregnant within the first 12 months of starting use.
• Six out of 10 pregnancies resulting from contraceptive failure end in abortion.
• The birth control pill resulted in failure rates of eight percent and seven percent in the studies.
• Condom failure rates were nine percent and 14 percent.
• The diaphragm had 12 percent and 20 percent failure rates.
• According to Princeton, of the three million pregnancies in 1994, 48 percent were unplanned. Of those unplanned, 53 percent were among women using contraceptives.
• A woman discontinues using contraception about 10 times during her lifetime and averages two unplanned pregnancies.

Despite the problems with contraceptives, lawmakers and educators insist these pills and devices are necessary. Recipients are never told that many chemical contraceptives, including the pill, have the potential to cause early abortion. Yet Nevada legislators have approved a bill requiring insurance companies to cover any type of birth control (Las Vegas Sun, 4/17/99).

Gov. Bill Owens of Colorado flip-flopped and approved a state budget provision that provides birth control for more than 17,000 rural women. Included are 17 Planned Parenthood Clinics and one abortion provider. Planned Parenthood spokesman Katie Reinisch remarked, "It’s a victory for women’s health and a defeat for the Christian Coalition" (Denver Post, 4/20/99). But concerned parents recognize this as a defeat for our children.

California legislators are on the verge of passing a bill requiring health insurers to pay for birth control pills. The final debate lies in exempting Catholic and other religious employers. If no compromise is made in the next few weeks, the legislation could be dropped. Maryland and Georgia are the only two states that currently mandate contraceptive coverage (San Jose Mercury News, 4/20/99).

"Remain abstinent until marriage" is still the best advice we can give our young people—not "If you’re going to be sexually active, use a condom." But that’s what students are hearing in St. Paul, Minnesota. They can now pick up their condoms, spermicides and birth control pills after English class. The St. Paul school board voted in favor of allowing Health Start, Inc. to distribute contraceptive chemicals and devices on school property. Currently, Minnesota law allows minors to receive contraceptives without prior parental consent. Children who want contraceptives but don’t have parental approval are told about off-campus clinics (Star Tribune, 4/7/99).

Reactions were divided between parents, students and educators opposing and "health" workers and policy makers supporting the school board’s decision. One principal, Lou Kanavati, believed it should be solely a family issue and winced at the fact that students were pitted against parents in this issue. A parent testified before the board stating, "It is taking a stand that sex has no moral parameters." Another parent complained parental authority was being usurped (Star Tribune, 4/6/99). James Wagoner, president of Advocates for Youth, believes this model should be "emulated throughout the state and nation" (Star Tribune, 4/14/99).

One student wrote in a letter to the editor, "I am a teenager who deals with the everyday pressures of peers discussing sexual intercourse. They hear that if you use a condom, there is no chance of getting pregnant or contracting a sexually transmitted disease. I have enough sense to know that this is not true. I have chosen abstinence and I’m proud of it." (Star Tribune, 4/17/99). Despite student opposition, Health Start hopes to impose its own agenda.

Faulty contraception is the wrong answer for our children. Abstinence until marriage and healthy self respect is the right answer for ensuring healthy lives.