03/25/2008
from the Kennebec Journal
Sport of Kings
New Medicaid billing system inspires doubts among some
Christmas spirit
Guidance counselor: Dismiss complaint based on criticism of same-sex marriage
CHELSEA: 'Practice burn' provides thrill for 9-year-old
Trust eyes orchard purchase
GOLFER OF THE YEAR: Bonenfant rises up Cony ranks
YOUTH SOCCER: Local team gives 'care package' to children in Afghanistan
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Kennebec Journal
from the Morning Sentinel
YES ON 1 BACKER REBUTS CLAIM
New system for Medicaid payments worries providers
After petition drive, Clinton police force budget will go a third time before voters
A rock musician makes trip home via Black Taxi
MADISON: After revaluation, abatement requests reviewed
Parks to have facelift
GOLFER OF THE YEAR: Sweet does job for Madison
YOUTH SOCCER: Local team gives 'care package' to children in Afghanistan
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Morning Sentinel
Without the protections in current law, most adolescents would not seek medical care for these illnesses and preventive care resulting in untreated mental illness, drug and alcohol abuse, and an increase in teen pregnancy. Often, the confidential medical visit is a huge open door to providing education about a variety of adolescent high-risk behavior.
Some teenagers respond quite well with positive lifestyle changes when health risks and dangers are explained during a medical office visit. This information often is not as well received coming from their parents, and many families do not have the resources or capability to provide this education.
An opposing column on the same date expressed concern that current law essentially allows schools to hand out oral contraception to 11-year-old girls. This simply is not the case. I am not aware of any pediatrician in Maine who would agree to prescribe oral contraceptives to an 11-year-old girl without the consent of her parents, and extenuating circumstances would have to be present to prescribe oral contraceptives at this age -- even with parental consent.
Maine's law on minors' rights to health care treatment is in the best interest of all of our children.
Dr. Donald R. Burgess
President
American Academy of Pediatrics




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