School Health Clinic Debate Begins; Task Force Proposed

San Diego city schools trustees Tuesday began the controversial process of deciding whether to approve an on-campus health clinic that would dispense contraceptives to students.

Board members listened to Supt. Thomas Payzant’s proposal for a 30-member task force to study the issue. They will vote next week on whether to establish the task force, which would have until July 1 to gather information about a clinic that would also provide health care and counseling to students.

The proposal has already attracted strong opposition from citizens who believe that the easy availability of contraceptives would promote teen-age sexual activity and undermine parents’ moral authority. Nine people spoke against the proposal at Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting, while no one supported it.

“What this philosophy actually does is increase the number of sexually out-of-control teens,” said Karen Poza. “What has happened to teaching love, self-control, self-respect, self-discipline?”

“I am asking you not to deny parents the right to select medical advice and medical care within their own moral framework,” Dorothy Courser said.

Under Payzant’s proposal, the task force would include teachers, principals, guidance counselors, medical personnel, clerics, PTA representatives and members of various community associations.

It would be responsible for recommending to the school board the kinds of services to be provided at the clinic, how it would be operated, and who might be likely to fund the program. If the board approves the plan in July, the school system would develop a “comprehensive plan” and submit it for funding in November, according to a Payzant’s timetable.

School system officials who proposed the clinic have said they envision a privately funded facility that would also provide physical exams, immunizations, laboratory tests, counseling and perhaps dental care to teens who otherwise may not receive those services.

The idea is a response to inadequate health care for low-income teens and the escalating rate of teen pregnancies.