As a parent and legislator, I know the importance of keeping teenagers safe, but I also respect a parent's right to be involved with important decisions involving their young children.  Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me about minors' access to contraceptive services at Title X clinics.

I am not opposed to pre pregnancy family planning efforts; however, I question the role which the government has played in this area since Title X was established in 1970.  This program began as pre pregnancy family planning assistance for low income families. However, it has expanded to provide free contraception to teenagers from families of all income levels, often without the consent or knowledge of their parents.  Not only is this not the role of the government, it undermines the role of parents in this country.

Parents have a right and a duty to know what's going on in their child's life.  That is why, I am an original cosponsor of H.R. 3011, the Parent's Right to Know Act, which requires parental notification five business days before a minor can receive any kind of contraceptive drugs or devices.  I will always fight for legislation that protects the rights of parents and leads to a healthy family life.