Ernest Istook: “this program provides birth control pills and other contraceptives to kids. Not just those who are 17, but it freely…”

“this program provides birth control pills and other contraceptives to kids. Not just those who are 17, but it freely gives them to those who are 15, to those who are 13, to those who are 12, to those who are 11, to those who are 11, 10, with no limit, totally ignoring the State laws on the books about age of consent. Without the language, the Istook language in the bill, we do not even have a requirement to turn in people who are taking advantage of kids, and then taking them to these clinics for birth control, who are breaking the law that is designed to protect minors and our kids. The issue is should $200 million a year of taxpayers' money go to provide contraceptives to 1.5 million kids each year without their parents knowing it? This is not emergency care. We do not say they have to have notice if they need treatment, if they have already contracted some disease. It is only if they are giving out contraceptives for future sexual activity. And birth control pills, yes, they have side effects. They have interactions. Parents need to know about their children's health, as well as about their children's morals, if they are going to be involved in being able to give parental guidance. The Istook language has counseling on abstinence. It has a requirement that State laws are to be followed in reporting sexual predators. For goodness sakes, Mr. Chairman, let the parents know.”