Are taxpayers funding birth control for 12-year-old girls?
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — How young is too young when it comes to getting birth control without parental consent? What about 12 years old? Now there is a state program available that offers pre-teens free contraception.
It's a controversial topic, and it's getting the attention from a lot of parents. A state program, available at several medical clinics across California allows children ages 12 and older to qualify for birth control and emergency contraception without parental consent.
It's called Family Planning Access Care, or Family PACT. Medical clinics, like Planned Parenthood, offer the service. The program is based on several eligibility requirements, including a person's income and insurance.
Planned Parenthood spokesman Pedro Elias said Family Pact is funded by California taxpayers.
"For every dollar spent, California gets $9 back in federal money. We're going to pay more tax money with pregnancy and the actual birth than preventing pregnancy," he said.
Plan Parenthood encourages parents to talk with their teens about sex. If you'd like more information about having that conversation, or if you'd like to know more about the Family PACT program, visit PlannedParenthood.com.
