In a significant win for parental rights and student well-being, the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District has decided against allowing a Planned Parenthood clinic to operate at John Glenn High School. This decision follows concerted efforts by concerned parents and community members who raised alarms about the appropriateness and safety of Planned Parenthood’s involvement in educational settings.
The proposed agreement with Planned Parenthood Los Angeles included provisions for the clinic to offer reproductive health services, including the prescription and dispensing of contraceptives and the insertion of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). Although abortions and cross-sex hormone therapy were not listed as services to be provided on campus, clinic staff would have been permitted to make referrals to other Planned Parenthood centers for these services (Fox News).
Parents and community members voiced strong opposition to the proposal, emphasizing the need for parental involvement in such significant health decisions. Nicole Neily, President and Founder of Parents Defending Education, criticized the proposal, stating, “Families and taxpayers should be horrified that the Norwalk-La Mirada USD is considering a partnership with Planned Parenthood… The fact that the contract specifically notes that ‘under California law minors have the right to consent to reproductive health services without parental consent or notification’ is appalling in and of itself” (Fox News).
The contract’s stipulation that minors could consent to these services without parental notification was a major point of contention. The policy would have prevented district staff or parents from accessing students’ medical records maintained by Planned Parenthood without the students’ written approval.
Greg Burt, Vice President of California Family Council, praised the district’s decision, saying, “This is a tremendous victory for parents and children in our community. Removing Planned Parenthood from our schools ensures that our kids are protected from an organization many parents object to because of its promotion of sexual immorality, abortion, and sterilizing transitioning drugs. Parents deserve the primary role in educating their children about sensitive topics like sexuality and health.”
This decision underscores the importance of parental involvement in educational decisions and reflects a growing sentiment that families should have the ultimate authority to make health decisions for their children. The Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District’s choice to prioritize the concerns of parents and community members serves as a powerful example of community advocacy and the protection of family values.
Planned Parenthood has established several on-campus Wellbeing Centers in Los Angeles County high schools, providing a range of services from sexual health education to mental health support (Planned Parenthood | Official Site) (Planned Parenthood | Official Site). However, the backlash from parents suggests that there is a significant demand for alternative approaches to student health and wellness, ones that align more closely with community values and ones that respect parental rights.
